The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000089800	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$18,007,898,468
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	100,296,737	'

Statements_of_Consolidated_Inc

Statements of Consolidated Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'		'
Net sales	$10,185,532	$9,534,462		$8,765,699
Cost of goods sold	5,568,966	5,328,236		5,021,137
Gross profit	4,616,566	4,206,226	[1]	3,744,562
Percent to net sales	45.30%	44.10%		42.70%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3,467,681	3,259,648	[1]	2,960,814
Percent to net sales	34.00%	34.20%		33.80%
Other general expense - net	2,519	5,248		2,731
Impairment of trademarks	'	4,086		5,492
Interest expense	62,714	42,788		42,497
Interest and net investment income	-3,242	-2,913		-3,711
Other expense (income) - net	936	-9,940		-4,809
Income before income taxes	1,085,958	907,309		741,548
Income taxes	333,397	276,275	[1]	299,688	[2]
Net income	$752,561	$631,034		$441,860
Net income per common share:	'	'		'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$7.41	$6.15		$4.22
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$7.26	$6.02		$4.14
[1]	Includes DOL Settlement of $49,163, net of tax (Cost of goods sold $16,000, Selling, general and administrative expenses $64,000 and tax benefit $30,837), or $.47 per share in the Year ended December 31, 2012.
[2]	Includes IRS Settlement of $74,982, or approximately $.70 per share, in the Year ended December 31, 2011. See Note 14 for more information on the IRS Settlement.

Statements_of_Consolidated_Inc1

Statements of Consolidated Income Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'
Net income	$752,561		$631,034		$441,860
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-46,748		-7,403		-65,632
Net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs arising during period	85,051	[1]	-6,192	[1]	-36,415	[1]
Less: amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service costs included in Net pension costs	10,933	[2]	10,973	[2]	13,045	[2]
Employee benefit plans	95,984		4,781		-23,370
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	134	[3]	123	[3]	-623	[3]
Less: reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income	-25	[4]	-12	[4]	68	[4]
Unrealized net gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	109		111		-555
Other comprehensive income (loss)	49,345		-2,511		-89,557
Comprehensive income	$801,906		$628,523		$352,303
[1]	Net of taxes of $(63,342), $2,846 and $25,504, in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
[2]	Net of taxes of $(7,643), $(13,350) and $(8,183), in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
[3]	Net of taxes of $(84), $(77) and $256, in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
[4]	Net of taxes of $17, $7 and $(42) in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Statements_of_Consolidated_Inc2

Statements of Consolidated Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
After tax charge to earnings for DOL settlement	'	$49,163	'
Cost of goods sold increase due to DOL settlement	28,711	16,000	'
Increase to selling, general and administrative expense due to DOL settlement	2,873	64,000	'
Decrease to income tax expense due to DOL settlement	'	30,837	'
IRS Settlement	'	'	74,982
Per share impact IRS Settlement (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0.70
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs arising during period, tax	-63,342	2,846	25,504
Amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service costs included in Net pension costs, tax	-7,643	-13,350	-8,183
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, tax	-84	-77	256
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income, tax	$17	$7	($42)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$744,889	$862,590	$32,696
Accounts receivable, less allowance	1,097,751	1,032,508	989,873
Inventories:	'	'	'
Finished goods	779,057	732,359	730,727
Work in process and raw materials	191,758	187,965	196,082
Total inventory	970,815	920,324	926,809
Deferred income taxes	104,496	126,730	149,207
Other current assets	240,766	207,086	163,008
Total current assets	3,158,717	3,149,238	2,261,593
Goodwill	1,178,687	1,156,005	1,108,008
Intangible assets	313,299	347,553	305,873
Deferred pension assets	302,446	249,911	228,350
Other assets	407,975	366,134	368,898
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Land	125,131	102,336	105,010
Buildings	715,096	677,944	668,802
Machinery and equipment	1,838,590	1,750,729	1,657,874
Construction in progress	62,563	56,582	41,264
Total gross property, plant and equipment	2,741,380	2,587,591	2,472,950
Less allowances for depreciation	1,719,997	1,621,695	1,516,420
Total net property, plant and equipment	1,021,383	965,896	956,530
Total Assets	6,382,507	6,234,737	5,229,252
Current liabilities:	'	'	'
Short-term borrowings	96,551	69,035	346,313
Accounts payable	998,484	922,999	965,149
Compensation and taxes withheld	337,637	314,892	251,060
Accrued taxes	79,504	52,104	120,555
Current portion of long-term debt	502,948	3,689	7,823
Other accruals	513,433	513,717	471,761
Total current liabilities	2,528,557	1,876,436	2,162,661
Long-term debt	1,122,373	1,632,165	639,231
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	268,874	320,223	297,528
Other long-term liabilities	688,168	614,109	612,913
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'	'
Common stock - $1.00 par value: 100,129,380, 103,270,067 and 103,854,234 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	112,902	111,623	107,454
Preferred stock - convertible, no par value: 40,406, 101,086 and 160,273 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	40,406	101,086	160,273
Unearned ESOP compensation	-40,406	-101,086	-160,273
Other capital	1,847,801	1,673,788	1,297,625
Retained earnings	1,774,050	1,226,467	756,372
Treasury stock, at cost	-1,639,174	-849,685	-276,654
Cumulative other comprehensive loss	-321,044	-370,389	-367,878
Total shareholders’ equity	1,774,535	1,791,804	1,516,919
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$6,382,507	$6,234,737	$5,229,252

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'	'
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$1	$1	$1
Common stock, shares outstanding	100,129,380	103,270,067	103,854,234
Preferred stock, par value (usd per share)	$0	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	40,406	101,086	160,273

Statements_of_Consolidated_Cas

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Net income	$752,561	$631,034	$441,860
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net operating cash:	'	'	'
Depreciation	158,763	152,217	151,212
Amortization of intangible assets	29,031	26,985	29,692
Impairment of trademarks and goodwill	'	4,086	5,492
Provisions for environmental-related matters	-2,751	6,736	9,100
Provisions for qualified exit costs	4,682	2,734	534
Deferred income taxes	27,775	-10,422	16,913
Defined benefit pension plans net cost	20,641	20,309	12,326
Income tax effect of ESOP on other capital	'	'	-3,211
Stock-based compensation expense	58,004	54,348	48,176
Net increase in postretirement liability	5,233	3,666	6,793
Decrease in non-traded investments	57,261	72,861	62,540
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	5,207	3,454	-5,469
Other	-27,214	-18,349	3,137
Change in working capital accounts:	'	'	'
(Increase) in accounts receivable	-41,473	-33,578	-93,697
Decrease (increase) in inventories	25,031	19,929	-19,222
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	34,685	-51,124	64,053
Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes	11,314	-70,264	5,435
Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation and taxes withheld	24,435	63,697	-538
Increase (decrease) in refundable income taxes	13,244	-32,967	-572
DOL settlement accrual	-80,000	80,000	'
Other	43,804	11,000	36,249
Costs incurred for environmental-related matters	-12,539	-31,689	-30,451
Costs incurred for qualified exit costs	-7,419	-4,577	-6,181
Other	-16,509	-12,200	1,641
Net operating cash	1,083,766	887,886	735,812
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-166,680	-157,112	-153,801
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-79,940	-99,242	-44,436
Proceeds from sale of assets	3,045	9,677	12,842
Increase in other investments	-94,739	-95,778	-92,374
Net investing cash	-338,314	-342,455	-277,769
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	31,634	-284,839	-43,346
Proceeds from long-term debt	473	999,697	40,777
Payments of long-term debt	-10,932	-14,000	-49,881
Payments of cash dividends	-204,978	-160,939	-153,512
Proceeds from stock options exercised	69,761	221,126	69,536
Income tax effect of stock-based compensation exercises and vesting	47,527	104,858	12,958
Treasury stock purchased	-769,271	-557,766	-367,372
Other	-17,522	-21,559	15,631
Net financing cash	-853,308	286,578	-475,209
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-9,845	-2,115	-8,723
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-117,701	829,894	-25,889
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	862,590	32,696	58,585
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	744,889	862,590	32,696
Taxes paid on income	200,748	223,329	196,147
Interest paid on debt	$61,045	$41,551	$42,897

Statements_of_Consolidated_Sha

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Unearned ESOP Compen-sation	Other Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$1,609,440	$231,346	$216,753	($216,753)	$1,222,909	$4,824,489	($4,390,983)	($278,321)
Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	441,860	'	'	'	'	441,860	'	'
Other comprehensive loss	-89,557	'	'	'	'	'	'	-89,557
Treasury stock purchased	-367,372	'	'	'	'	'	-367,372	'
Treasury stock retired	'	-125,426	'	'	'	-4,356,465	4,481,891	'
Redemption of preferred stock	'	'	-56,480	56,480	'	'	'	'
Income tax effect of ESOP	54,420	'	'	'	54,420	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	69,346	1,234	'	'	68,302	'	-190	'
Income tax effect of stock compensation	12,958	'	'	'	12,958	'	'	'
Restricted stock and stock option grants (net activity)	48,176	300	'	'	47,876	'	'	'
Cash dividends -- $2.00, $1.56 and $1.46 per common share in December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	-153,512	'	'	'	'	-153,512	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	1,516,919	107,454	160,273	-160,273	1,297,625	756,372	-276,654	-367,878
Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	631,034	'	'	'	'	631,034	'	'
Other comprehensive loss	-2,511	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,511
Treasury stock purchased	-557,766	'	'	'	'	'	-557,766	'
Redemption of preferred stock	'	'	-59,187	59,187	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	205,861	3,867	'	'	217,259	'	-15,265	'
Income tax effect of stock compensation	104,858	'	'	'	104,858	'	'	'
Restricted stock and stock option grants (net activity)	54,348	302	'	'	54,046	'	'	'
Cash dividends -- $2.00, $1.56 and $1.46 per common share in December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	-160,939	'	'	'	'	-160,939	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,791,804	111,623	101,086	-101,086	1,673,788	1,226,467	-849,685	-370,389
Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	752,561	'	'	'	'	752,561	'	'
Other comprehensive loss	49,345	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,345
Treasury stock purchased	-769,271	'	'	'	'	'	-769,271	'
Redemption of preferred stock	'	'	-60,680	60,680	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	49,543	1,128	'	'	68,633	'	-20,218	'
Income tax effect of stock compensation	47,527	'	'	'	47,527	'	'	'
Restricted stock and stock option grants (net activity)	58,004	151	'	'	57,853	'	'	'
Cash dividends -- $2.00, $1.56 and $1.46 per common share in December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	-204,978	'	'	'	'	-204,978	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,774,535	$112,902	$40,406	($40,406)	$1,847,801	$1,774,050	($1,639,174)	($321,044)

Statements_of_Consolidated_Sha1

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash dividend	$2	$1.56	$1.46
Other Capital	'	'	'
Reduction in Equity related to IRS Settlement	'	'	$51,209

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

'

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Sherwin-Williams Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, “the Company.”) Inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those amounts.

Nature of operations. The Company is engaged in the development, manufacture, distribution and sale of paint, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers primarily in North and South America, with additional operations in the Caribbean region, Europe and Asia.

Reportable segments. See Note 18 for further details.

Cash flows. Management considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Fair value of financial instruments. The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts reported for Cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value.

Short-term investments: The carrying amounts reported for Short-term investments approximate fair value.

Investments in securities: Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at market value. See the recurring fair value measurement table on page 49.

Non-traded investments: The Company has invested in the U.S. affordable housing and historic renovation real estate markets. These non-traded investments have been identified as variable interest entities. However, because the Company does not have the power to direct the day-to-day operations of the investments and the risk of loss is limited to the amount of contributed capital, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary. In accordance with the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), the investments are not consolidated. The Company uses the effective yield method to determine the carrying value of the investments. Under the effective yield method, the initial cost of the investments is amortized over the period that the tax credits are recognized. The carrying amounts of the investments, included in Other assets, were $210,779, $223,701 and $232,366 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The liabilities recorded on the balance sheets for estimated future capital contributions to the investments were $198,761, $218,688 and $235,355 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Short-term borrowings: The carrying amounts reported for Short-term borrowings approximate fair value.

Long-term debt (including current portion): The fair values of the Company’s publicly traded debt, shown below, are based on quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s non-traded debt, also shown below, are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The Company's publicly traded debt and non-traded debt are classified as level 1 and level 2, respectively, in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 7.

December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Amount

Value

Amount

Value

Amount

Value

Publicly traded debt

$

1,620,646

$

1,614,739

$

1,630,056

$

1,706,487

$

632,423

$

703,238

Non-traded debt

4,675

4,430

5,798

5,600

14,631

14,070

Derivative instruments: The Company utilizes derivative instruments as part of its overall financial risk management policy. The Company entered into foreign currency option and forward currency exchange contracts with maturity dates of less than twelve months in 2013, 2012 and 2011, primarily to hedge against value changes in foreign currency. See Note 13. There were no derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Fair value measurements. The following tables summarize the Company’s assets and liabilities measured on a recurring and non-recurring basis in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC:

Assets and Liabilities Reported at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Fair Value at

Quoted Prices in

Significant Other

Significant

December 31,

Active Markets for

Observable Inputs

Unobservable

2013

Identical Assets

(Level 2)

Inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 3)

Assets:

Deferred compensation plan asset (a)

$

21,660

$

3,759

$

17,901

Liabilities:

Deferred compensation plan liability (b)

$

28,607

$

28,607

(a)

The deferred compensation plan asset consists of the investment funds maintained for the future payments under the Company’s executive deferred compensation plan, which is structured as a rabbi trust. The investments are marketable securities accounted for under the Debt and Equity Securities Topic of the ASC. The level 1 investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares. The level 2 investments are valued based on vendor or broker models. The cost basis of the investment funds is $21,224.

(b)

The deferred compensation plan liability represents the value of the Company’s liability under its deferred compensation plan based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.

Assets and Liabilities Reported at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis. Except for the acquisition-related fair value measurements described in Note 2 which qualify as level 2 measurements, there were no assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in 2013.

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable were recorded at the time of credit sales net of provisions for sales returns and allowances. The Company recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $54,460, $47,667 and $51,747 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to reduce Accounts receivable to their estimated net realizable value. The allowance was based on an analysis of historical bad debts, a review of the aging of Accounts receivable and the current creditworthiness of customers. Account receivable balances are written-off against the allowance if a final determination of uncollectibility is made. All provisions for allowances for doubtful collection of accounts are related to the creditworthiness of accounts and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.

Reserve for obsolescence. The Company recorded a reserve for obsolescence of $97,523, $88,356 and $82,671 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to reduce Inventories to their estimated net realizable value.

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for by the purchase method. In accordance with the Impairments Topic of the ASC, goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis and in between annual tests if events or circumstances indicate potential impairment. See Note 4.

Intangible assets. Intangible assets include trademarks, non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights. As required by the Goodwill and Other Intangibles Topic of the ASC, indefinite-lived trademarks are not amortized, but instead are tested annually for impairment, and between annual tests whenever an event occurs or circumstances indicate potential impairment. See Note 4. The cost of finite-lived trademarks, non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit as follows:

Useful Life

Finite-lived trademarks

5 years

Non-compete covenants

3 – 5 years

Certain intangible property rights

3 – 20 years

Accumulated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets was $279,102, $260,065 and $237,736 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. See Note 4.

Impairment of long-lived assets. In accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the ASC, management evaluates the recoverability and estimated remaining lives of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. See Notes 4 and 5.

Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment is stated on the basis of cost. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization are included in the appropriate Cost of goods sold or Selling, general and administrative expense caption on the Statements of Consolidated Income. Included in Property, plant and equipment are leasehold improvements. The major classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates are:

Buildings

2.5% – 20.0%

Machinery and equipment

5.0% – 20.0%

Furniture and fixtures

10.0% – 33.3%

Automobiles and trucks

10.0% – 33.3%

Standby letters of credit. The Company occasionally enters into standby letter of credit agreements to guarantee various operating activities. These agreements provide credit availability to the various beneficiaries if certain contractual events occur. Amounts outstanding under these agreements totaled $25,896, $22,845 and $18,819 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Product warranties. The Company offers product warranties for certain products. The specific terms and conditions of such warranties vary depending on the product or customer contract requirements. Management estimated the costs of unsettled product warranty claims based on historical results and experience and included an amount in Other accruals. Management periodically assesses the adequacy of the accrual for product warranty claims and adjusts the accrual as necessary. Changes in the Company’s accrual for product warranty claims during 2013, 2012 and 2011, including customer satisfaction settlements during the year, were as follows:

2013

2012

2011

Balance at January 1

$

22,710

$

22,071

$

23,103

Charges to expense

33,265

28,590

29,957

Settlements

(29,220

)

(27,951

)

(30,989

)

Balance at December 31

$

26,755

$

22,710

$

22,071

Environmental matters. Capital expenditures for ongoing environmental compliance measures were recorded in Property, plant and equipment, and related expenses were included in the normal operating expenses of conducting business. The Company is involved with environmental investigation and remediation activities at some of its currently and formerly owned sites and at a number of third-party sites. The Company accrued for environmental-related activities for which commitments or clean-up plans have been developed and when such costs could be reasonably estimated based on industry standards and professional judgment. All accrued amounts were recorded on an undiscounted basis. Environmental-related expenses included direct costs of investigation and remediation and indirect costs such as compensation and benefits for employees directly involved in the investigation and remediation activities and fees paid to outside engineering, consulting and law firms. See Notes 8 and 13.

Employee Stock Purchase and Savings Plan and preferred stock. The Company accounts for the Employee Stock Purchase and Savings Plan (ESOP) in accordance with the Employee Stock Ownership Plans Subtopic of the Compensation – Stock Ownership Topic of the ASC. The Company recognized compensation expense for amounts contributed to the ESOP, and the ESOP used dividends on unallocated preferred shares to service debt. Unallocated preferred shares held by the ESOP were not considered outstanding in calculating earnings per share of the Company. See Note 11.

Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Topic of the ASC, which requires the recognition of a plan’s funded status as an asset for overfunded plans and as a liability for unfunded or underfunded plans. See Note 6.

Stock-based compensation. The cost of the Company’s stock-based compensation is recorded in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the ASC. See Note 12.

Foreign currency translation. All consolidated non-highly inflationary foreign operations use the local currency of the country of operation as the functional currency and translated the local currency asset and liability accounts at year-end exchange rates while income and expense accounts were translated at average exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments were included in Cumulative other comprehensive loss, a component of Shareholders’ equity.

Cumulative other comprehensive loss. At December 31, 2013, the ending balance of Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation of $250,943, net prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $70,611 and unrealized net gains on marketable equity securities of $510. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the ending balance of Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation of $204,195 and $196,792, respectively, net prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $166,595 and $171,376, respectively, and unrealized gains on marketable equity securities of $401 and $290, respectively.

Revenue recognition. All revenues were recognized when products were shipped and title had passed to unaffiliated customers. Collectibility of amounts recorded as revenue was reasonably assured at the time of recognition.

Customer and vendor consideration. The Company offered certain customers rebate and sales incentive programs which were classified as reductions in Net sales. Such programs were in the form of volume rebates, rebates that constituted a percentage of sales or rebates for attaining certain sales goals. The Company received consideration from certain suppliers of raw materials in the form of volume rebates or rebates that constituted a percentage of purchases. These rebates were recognized on an accrual basis by the Company as a reduction of the purchase price of the raw materials and a subsequent reduction of Cost of goods sold when the related product was sold.

Costs of goods sold. Included in Costs of goods sold were costs for materials, manufacturing, distribution and related support. Distribution costs included all expenses related to the

distribution of products including inbound freight charges, purchase and receiving costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs and all costs incurred to ship products. Also included in Costs of goods sold were total technical expenditures, which included research and development costs, quality control, product formulation expenditures and other similar items. Research and development costs included in technical expenditures were $47,042, $44,648 and $41,719 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling costs included advertising expenses, marketing costs, employee and store costs and sales commissions. The cost of advertising was expensed as incurred. The Company incurred $262,492, $247,469 and $227,303 in advertising costs during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. General and administrative expenses included human resources, legal, finance and other support and administrative functions.

Earnings per share. Shares of preferred stock held in an unallocated account of the ESOP (see Note 11) and common stock held in a revocable trust (see Note 10) were not considered outstanding shares for basic or diluted income per common share calculations. All references to “shares” or “per share” information throughout this report relate to common shares and are stated on a diluted per common share basis, unless otherwise indicated. Basic and diluted net income per common share were calculated using the two-class method in accordance with the Earnings Per Common Share Topic of the ASC. Basic net income per common share amounts were computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income per common share amounts were computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all dilutive securities potentially outstanding during the year. See Note 15.

Impact of recently issued accounting standards. In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-2, which amends the Comprehensive Income Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The updated standard requires the presentation of information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2013-2 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company has adopted the standard on a prospective basis as required. The updated standard affects the Company's disclosures but has no impact on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	ACQUISITIONS
	On November 9, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of Consorcio Comex, S.A. de C.V. (Comex) for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.34 billion, including assumed debt. However, on July 17, 2013, the Federal Competition Commission of Mexico (Commission) informed the Company that the acquisition of Comex was not authorized. The Company appealed the Commission's decision. On September 16, 2013, the Stock Purchase Agreement was amended and restated to extend the date by which the agreement can be terminated by either party to March 31, 2014. Additionally, the Stock Purchase Agreement was amended to reflect a revised purchase price of approximately $2.25 billion. On October 29, 2013, the Commission informed the Company that the Company's appeal relating to its pending acquisition of Comex's Mexico business was denied and the acquisition is not authorized. The Company is currently reviewing the Commission's decision and is considering all options, including whether to refile with the Commission. Comex is a leader in the paint and coatings market in Mexico with headquarters in Mexico City. Also on September 16, 2013, the Company entered into a new definitive Stock Purchase Agreement and completed the acquisition of Comex's U.S./Canada business for an aggregate consideration paid of $74,941, net of cash acquired. The Company has engaged an independent valuation firm to value the assets of the acquired business. Substantially all of the valuation firm's work has been completed, and the Company has recorded the appropriate adjustments. Once the valuation firm's work is finalized, the Company will record any remaining necessary adjustments. The acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill and intangible assets. The U.S./Canada business of Comex focuses on the manufacture and sale of paint and paint-related products through retail service centers under various proprietary brands. The acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Comex strengthens the ability of the Paint Stores Group and Consumer Group to serve customers in key geographic markets.
	Effective December 18, 2012, the Company acquired Jiangsu Pulanna Coating Co., Ltd. (Pulanna). Headquartered in Changzhou, China, Pulanna is a leading automotive refinishes coatings manufacturer in China. The acquisition strengthens the Global Finishes Group's established presence in China and its ability to serve automotive customers around the world.
	Effective June 1, 2012, the Company acquired Geocel Holdings Corporation. Geocel manufactures innovative caulks, sealants and adhesives specially designed for tough construction and repair applications in commercial, residential, industrial and transport non-automotive markets. Geocel has operations in both the United States and United Kingdom. The acquisition strengthens the Consumer Group’s sealant and adhesive market position.
	The aggregate consideration paid for Pulanna and Geocel was $99,242, net of cash acquired. Both acquisitions resulted in the recognition of goodwill and intangible assets. See Note 4.
	The completed acquisitions above have been accounted for as purchases and their results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.
	The following unaudited pro-forma summary presents consolidated financial information as if the U.S./Canada business of Comex, Pulanna and Geocel had been acquired at the beginning of 2012. The unaudited pro-forma consolidated financial information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred had the acquisitions taken place on January 1, 2012 or the future results of operations of the combined companies under ownership and operation of the Company.
		2013		2012
	Net sales	$	10,540,181	$	10,101,502
	Net income	725,774		594,632
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	7.13		5.8
	Diluted	6.98		5.68

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	INVENTORIES
	Inventories were stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined principally on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The following presents the effect on inventories, net income and net income per common share had the Company used the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory valuation method adjusted for income taxes at the statutory rate and assuming no other adjustments. Management believes that the use of LIFO results in a better matching of costs and revenues. This information is presented to enable the reader to make comparisons with companies using the FIFO method of inventory valuation. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, certain inventories accounted for on the LIFO method were reduced, resulting in the liquidation of certain quantities carried at costs prevailing in prior years. The 2013 and 2011 liquidations increased net income by $169 and $1,067, respectively, while the 2012 liquidations reduced net income by $160.
		2013			2012			2011
	Percentage of total	75		%	75		%	77		%
	inventories on LIFO
	Excess of FIFO over	$	337,214		$	357,303		$	378,986
	LIFO
	Increase (decrease) in net	12,299			13,365			(62,636		)
	income due to LIFO
	Increase (decrease) in net	0.12			0.13			(.59		)
	income per common
	share due to LIFO

Goodwill_Intangible_and_LongLi

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS
	During 2013, the Company recognized $1,885 of goodwill and $466 of indefinite-lived trademarks in the acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Comex. Acquired customer relationships valued at $4,230 are being amortized over 7 years from the date of acquisition.
	During 2012 and 2013, the Company recognized $60,027 of goodwill and $968 of indefinite-lived trademarks related to the 2012 acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna. Acquired customer relationships, finite-lived trademarks, intellectual property and covenants not to compete recognized in these acquisitions valued at $25,120, $13,000, $4,955 and $1,335, respectively, are being amortized over periods ranging from 3 to 15 years from the date of acquisition.
	During 2011, the Company recognized $5,039 of goodwill in the acquisition of Leighs Paints. Acquired technology, trademarks and customer relationships recognized in this acquisition valued at $4,794, $2,125 and $1,918, respectively, are being amortized over periods ranging from 5 to 10 years from the date of acquisition.
	In accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the ASC, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable or the useful life may have changed, impairment tests are to be performed. Undiscounted cash flows are to be used to calculate the recoverable value of long-lived assets to determine if such assets are impaired. Where impairment is identified, a discounted cash flow valuation model, incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved for each group of assets, is to be used to determine the fair value for the assets to measure any potential impairment.
	In 2011, a reduction in the carrying value of property, plant and equipment associated with a facility closed during 2008 was recorded (see Note 5).
	In accordance with the Goodwill and Other Intangibles Topic of the ASC, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, and interim impairment tests are performed whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate an impairment has more likely than not occurred. October 1 has been established for the annual impairment review. At the time of impairment testing, values are estimated separately for goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives using a discounted cash flow valuation model, incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved for each group of assets. An optional qualitative assessment may alleviate the need to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test when impairment is unlikely. The Company used the qualitative assessment for each of its reporting units in 2013 and 2012. Impairments of trademarks with indefinite lives have been reported as a separate line in the Statements of Consolidated Income.
	The annual impairment review performed as of October 1, 2013 did not result in any goodwill or trademark impairment.
	The annual impairment review performed as of October 1, 2012 resulted in trademark impairments in the Paint Stores Group and Global Finishes Group of $3,400 and $686, respectively, and no goodwill impairment. The trademark impairments related primarily to the planned conversion of various acquired brands.
	The annual impairment review performed as of October 1, 2011 resulted in trademark impairments in the Paint Stores Group and Global Finishes Group of $4,669 and $823, respectively, and no goodwill impairment. The trademark impairments related primarily to lower-than-anticipated sales of acquired brands.
	Amortization of finite-lived intangible assets is as follows for the next five years: $28,172 in 2014, $25,362 in 2015, $20,750 in 2016 and $15,097 in 2017 and $13,324 in 2018.
	A summary of changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:
	Goodwill	Paint Stores			Consumer			Global			Latin America			Consolidated
		Group			Group			Finishes			Coatings Group			Totals
								Group
	Balance at January 1, 2011 (a)	$	286,744		$	689,388		$	115,719		$	10,607		$	1,102,458
	Acquisitions							5,039						5,039
	Currency and other adjustments	254			(109		)	(408		)	774			511
	Balance at December 31, 2011 (a)	286,998			689,279			120,350			11,381			1,108,008
	Acquisitions				17,357			24,707						42,064
	Currency and other adjustments	(214		)	(344		)	7,230			(739		)	5,933
	Balance at December 31, 2012 (a)	286,784			706,292			152,287			10,642			1,156,005
	Acquisitions	1,885						17,963						19,848
	Currency and other adjustments	(1,369		)	(2,941		)	8,048			(904		)	2,834
	Balance at December 31, 2013 (a)	$	287,300		$	703,351		$	178,298		$	9,738		$	1,178,687
	(a)	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $8,904 ($8,113 in the Consumer Group and $791 in the Global Finishes Group).
	A summary of the Company’s carrying value of intangible assets is as follows:
		Finite-lived intangible assets									Trademarks			Total
											with indefinite			intangible
		Software			All other			Subtotal			lives			assets
	31-Dec-13
	Weighted-average amortization period	8 years			10 years			9 years
	Gross	$	114,404		$	327,962		$	442,366
	Accumulated amortization	(77,018		)	(202,084		)	(279,102		)
	Net value	$	37,386		$	125,878		$	163,264		$	150,035		$	313,299
	31-Dec-12
	Weighted-average amortization period	8 years			12 years			11 years
	Gross	$	107,779		$	337,089		$	444,868
	Accumulated amortization	(66,106		)	(193,959		)	(260,065		)
	Net value	$	41,673		$	143,130		$	184,803		$	162,750		$	347,553
	31-Dec-11
	Weighted-average amortization period	7 years			13 years			11 years
	Gross	$	109,401		$	274,086		$	383,487
	Accumulated amortization	(60,030		)	(177,706		)	(237,736		)
	Net value	$	49,371		$	96,380		$	145,751		$	160,122		$	305,873

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Schedule II)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Schedule II)	'
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
	(Schedule II)
	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
	(thousands of dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Beginning balance	$	47,667		$	51,747		$	59,310
	Amount acquired through acquisitions	896			226			462
	Bad debt expense	31,192			20,922			25,078
	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	(25,295		)	(25,228		)	(33,103		)
	Ending balance	$	54,460		$	47,667		$	51,747

Exit_or_Disposal_Activities

Exit or Disposal Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES	'
	EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES
	Management is continually re-evaluating the Company’s operating facilities, including acquired operating facilities, against its long-term strategic goals. Liabilities associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized as incurred in accordance with the Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations Topic of the ASC. Provisions for qualified exit costs are made at the time a facility is no longer operational. Qualified exit costs primarily include post-closure rent expenses or costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term and costs of employee terminations. Adjustments may be made to liabilities accrued for qualified exit costs if information becomes available upon which more accurate amounts can be reasonably estimated.
	Concurrently, property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment in accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the ASC, and if impairment exists, the carrying value of the related assets is reduced to estimated fair value. Additional impairment may be recorded for subsequent revisions in estimated fair value. Adjustments to prior provisions and additional impairment charges for property, plant and equipment of closed sites being held for disposal are recorded in Other general expense – net.
	During 2013, 5 facilities and 16 stores and branches were closed due to lower demand or redundancy. Provisions for severance and other qualified exit cost of $1,004, $598, $278 and $123 were charged to the Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group, Global Finishes Group and Latin America Coatings Group, respectively. Provisions for severance and other qualified exit costs and adjustments to prior provisions related to manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities, stores and branches closed prior to 2013 of $2,679 were recorded.
	During 2012, 19 stores and branches were closed due to lower demand or redundancy. Provisions for severance and other qualified exit cost of $7,363 and $313 were charged to the Global Finishes Group and Paint Stores Group, respectively. There were no provisions for severance and other qualified exit costs charged to the Consumer Group or Latin America Coatings Group. Adjustments to prior provisions related to manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities, stores and branches closed prior to 2012 of $(4,942) were recorded.
	During 2011, 22 stores and branches were closed due to lower demand or redundancy. Provisions for severance and other qualified exit costs of $913, $339 and $182 were charged to the Global Finishes Group, Consumer Group and Paint Stores Group, respectively. There were no provisions for severance and other qualified exit costs charged to the Latin America Coatings Group. Adjustments to prior provisions related to manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities, stores and branches closed prior to 2011 of $(900) were recorded. In 2011, a reduction of $3,263 in the carrying value of property, plant and equipment associated with a facility closed in 2008 was recorded in the Paint Stores Group.
	At December 31, 2013, a portion of the remaining accrual for qualified exit costs relating to facilities shutdown prior to 2011 is expected to be incurred by the end of 2014. The remaining portion of the ending accrual for facilities shutdown prior to 2011 primarily represented post-closure contractual expenses related to certain owned facilities which are closed and being held for disposal or involved in ongoing environmental-related activities. The Company cannot reasonably estimate when such matters will be concluded to permit disposition.
	The tables on the following pages summarize the activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs:
	Exit Plan	Balance at		Provisions in		Actual			Adjustments to			Balance at
		December 31,		Cost of goods		expenditures			prior provisions			December 31,
		2012		sold or SG&A		charged to			in Other general			2013
						accrual			expense - net
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2013:
	Severance and related costs			$	1,004	$	(27	)				$	977
	Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2013:
	Severance and related costs			598								598
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown in 2013:
	Severance and related costs			278		(25		)				253
	Latin America Coatings Group facilities
	shutdown in 2013:
	Severance and related costs			123								123
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2012:
	Other qualified exit costs	$	313			(68		)	$	(1	)	244
	Global Finishes Group facilities shutdown in 2012:
	Severance and related costs	2,236		2,533		(2,592		)				2,177
	Other qualified exit costs	3,430		83		(3,530		)	100			83
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown in 2011:
	Other qualified exit costs	290				(222		)				68
	Other qualified exit costs for facilities	2,288				(955		)	(36		)	1,297
	shutdown prior to 2011
	Totals	$	8,557	$	4,619	$	(7,419	)	$	63		$	5,820
	Exit Plan	Balance at		Provisions in		Actual			Adjustments to			Balance at
		December 31,		Cost of goods		expenditures			prior provisions			December 31,
		2011		sold or SG&A		charged to			in Other general			2012
						accrual			expense - net
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown
	in 2012:
	Other qualified exit costs			$	313							$	313
	Global Finishes Group facility shutdown
	in 2012:
	Severance and related costs			3,933		$	(1,697	)				2,236
	Other qualified exit costs			3,430								3,430
	Consumer Group manufacturing facilities
	shutdown in 2011:
	Severance and related costs	$	197			(133		)	$	(64	)
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown
	in 2011:
	Other qualified exit costs	156				(144		)	(12		)
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown
	in 2011:
	Severance and related costs	129				(134		)	5
	Other qualified exit costs	470				(180		)				290
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown
	in 2010:
	Other qualified exit costs	955				(133		)				822
	Other qualified exit costs for facilities	8,493				(2,156		)	(4,871		)	1,466
	shutdown prior to 2010
	Totals	$	10,400	$	7,676	$	(4,577	)	$	(4,942	)	$	8,557
	Exit Plan	Balance at		Provisions in		Actual			Adjustments to			Balance at
		January 1,		Cost of goods		expenditures			prior provisions			December 31,
		2011		sold or SG&A		charged to			in Other general			2011
						accrual			expense - net
	Consumer Group manufacturing facilities
shutdown in 2011:
Severance and related costs			$	339	$	(142	)				$	197
Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2011:
Other qualified exit costs			182		(26		)				156
Global Finishes Group branches shutdown
in 2011:
Severance and related costs			316		(187		)				129
Other qualified exit costs			597		(127		)				470
Global Finishes Group branches shutdown
in 2010:
Other qualified exit costs	$	1,114			(159		)				955
Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2010:
Other qualified exit costs	4							$	(4	)
Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2009:
Other qualified exit costs	2,022				(805		)	3			1,220
Global Finishes Group manufacturing facility
and branches shutdown in 2009:
Other qualified exit costs	1,820				(918		)	262			1,164
Consumer Group manufacturing facilities
shutdown in 2009:
Other qualified exit costs	721				(245		)	(74		)	402
Other qualified exit costs for facilities	10,366				(3,572		)	(1,087		)	5,707
shutdown prior to 2009
Totals	$	16,047	$	1,434	$	(6,181	)	$	(900	)	$	10,400

Pension_Health_Care_and_Postre

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
PENSION, HEALTH CARE AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS	'
	PENSION, HEALTH CARE AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
	The Company provides pension benefits to substantially all employees through primarily noncontributory defined contribution or defined benefit plans and certain health care and life insurance benefits to domestic active employees and eligible retirees. In accordance with the Retirement Benefits Topic of the ASC, the Company recognizes an asset for overfunded defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans and a liability for unfunded or underfunded plans. In addition, actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs of such plans are recorded in Cumulative other comprehensive loss, a component of Shareholders’ equity. The amounts recorded in Cumulative other comprehensive loss will continue to be modified as actuarial assumptions and service costs change, and all such amounts will be amortized to expense over a period of years through the net pension cost (credit) and net periodic benefit cost.
	Health care plans. The Company provides certain domestic health care plans that are contributory and contain cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. There were 19,440, 18,609 and 18,189 active employees entitled to receive benefits under these plans at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The cost of these benefits for active employees, which includes claims incurred and claims incurred but not reported, amounted to $174,588, $163,011 and $155,501 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Defined contribution pension plans. The Company’s annual contribution for its domestic defined contribution pension plan was $27,803, $25,147 and $23,344 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The contribution percentage ranges from two percent to seven percent of compensation for covered employees based on an age and service formula. Assets in employee accounts of the domestic defined contribution pension plan are invested in various investment funds as directed by the participants. These investment funds did not own a significant number of shares of the Company’s common stock for any year presented.
	The Company’s annual contribution for its foreign defined contribution pension plans, which is based on various percentages of compensation for covered employees up to certain limits, was $1,428, $4,621 and $3,807 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Assets in employee accounts of the foreign defined contribution pension plans are invested in various investment funds. These investment funds did not own a significant number of shares of the Company’s common stock for any year presented.
	Defined benefit pension plans. The Company has one salaried and one hourly domestic defined benefit pension plan, and twenty foreign defined benefit pension plans, including three Canadian plans acquired in connection with the 2013 acquisition of Comex's U.S./Canada business and one European plan acquired in connection with the 2011 acquisition of Leighs Paints. All participants in the domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan prior to January 1, 2002 retain the previous defined benefit formula for computing benefits with certain modifications for active employees. Eligible domestic salaried employees hired or re-hired between January 1, 2002 and September 30, 2011 became participants in the revised domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan upon completion of six months of service. All employees who became participants on or after January 1, 2002 and before January 1, 2005 were credited with certain contribution credits equivalent to six percent of their salary. All employees who became participants on or after January 1, 2005 were credited with certain contribution credits that range from two percent to seven percent of compensation based on an age and service formula. Effective July 1, 2009, the domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan was revised, and all employees who become participants on or after January 1, 2002 were credited with certain contribution credits that range from two percent to seven percent of compensation based on an age and service formula. Contribution credits are converted into units to account for each participant’s benefits. Participants will receive a variable annuity benefit upon retirement or a lump sum distribution upon termination (if vested). The variable annuity benefit is subject to the hypothetical returns achieved on each participant’s allocation of units from investments in various investment funds as directed by the participant. Contribution credits to the revised domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan are being funded through existing plan assets. Effective October 1, 2011, the domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan was frozen for new hires, and all newly hired U.S. non-collectively bargained employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s domestic defined contribution plan.
	In connection with the 2013 acquisition of Comex's U.S./Canada business, the Company acquired a domestic defined benefit pension plan (Comex Plan). The Comex Plan was merged into the Company's salaried defined benefit pension plan as of November 29, 2013 and was frozen for new participants as of December 31, 2013. Accrued benefits and vesting service under the Comex Plan were credited under the Company's domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan.
	At December 31, 2013, the domestic salaried and hourly defined benefit pension plans were overfunded, with a projected benefit obligation of $582,036, fair value of plan assets of $870,386 and excess plan assets of $288,350. The plans are funded in accordance with all applicable regulations at December 31, 2013 and no funding will be required in 2014. At December 31, 2012, the domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan was overfunded, with a projected benefit obligation of $313,964, fair value of plan assets of $559,552 and excess plan assets of $245,588, and the domestic hourly defined benefit pension plan was underfunded, with a projected benefit obligation of $152,863, fair value of plan assets of $144,011 and a deficiency of plan assets of $8,852. At December 31, 2011, the domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan was overfunded, with a projected benefit obligation of $269,314, fair value of plan assets of $487,990 and excess plan assets of $218,676, and the domestic hourly defined benefit pension plan was underfunded, with a projected benefit obligation of $140,715, fair value of plan assets of $126,473 and a deficiency of plan assets of $14,242.
	At December 31, 2013, fifteen of the Company’s foreign defined benefit pension plans were unfunded or underfunded, with combined accumulated benefit obligations, projected benefit obligations, fair values of net assets and deficiencies of plan assets of $124,062, $156,423, $104,282 and $52,141, respectively. An increase of $54,238 from 2012 in the combined projected benefit obligations of all foreign defined benefit pension plans was primarily due to the acquisition of three Canadian defined benefit pension plans in connection with the 2013 acquisition of Comex's U.S./Canada business and changes in plan assumptions.
	The Company expects to make the following benefit payments for all domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plans: $60,725 in 2014; $60,759 in 2015; $61,741 in 2016; $62,755 in 2017; $63,631 in 2018; and $289,290 in 2019 through 2023. The Company expects to contribute $8,130 to the foreign plans in 2014.
	The estimated net actuarial losses and prior service (credits) for the defined benefit pension plans that are expected to be amortized from Cumulative other comprehensive loss into the net pension costs in 2014 are $1,423 and $1,837, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the components of the net pension costs and Cumulative other comprehensive loss related to the defined benefit pension plans:
		Domestic									Foreign
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans									Defined Benefit Pension Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Net pension costs:
	Service costs	$	23,176		$	19,061		$	17,933		$	5,039		$	3,654		$	3,055
	Interest costs	18,444			17,442			18,602			7,940			6,927			5,954
	Expected returns on plan assets	(42,937		)	(44,841		)	(46,441		)	(7,487		)	(6,799		)	(5,535		)
	Amortization of prior service costs	1,823			1,591			1,635
	Amortization of actuarial losses	13,147			22,205			16,865			1,716			1,022			493
	Ongoing pension costs	13,653			15,458			8,594			7,208			4,804			3,967
	Settlement costs (credits)										(220		)	47			(235		)
	Net pension costs	13,653			15,458			8,594			6,988			4,851			3,732
	Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit
	obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):
	Net actuarial (gains) losses arising during the year	(90,669		)	(26,459		)	48,745			(5,487		)	14,131			15,944
	Prior service costs during the year	1,756			2,495			1,195
	Amortization of prior service costs	(1,823		)	(1,591		)	(1,635		)
	Amortization of actuarial losses	(13,147		)	(22,205		)	(16,865		)	(1,716		)	(1,022		)	(493		)
	Exchange rate gain (loss) recognized during year										819			1,464			(387		)
	Total recognized in Cumulative other	(103,883		)	(47,760		)	31,440			(6,384		)	14,573			15,064
	comprehensive loss
	Total recognized in net pension costs	$	(90,230	)	$	(32,302	)	$	40,034		$	604		$	19,424		$	18,796
	and Cumulative other comprehensive loss
	The Company employs a total return investment approach for the domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plan assets. A mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of assets for a prudent level of risk. In determining the expected long-term rate of return on defined benefit pension plan assets, management considers the historical rates of return, the nature of investments and an expectation of future investment strategies. The target allocations for plan assets are 45 – 65 percent equity securities and 30 – 40 percent fixed income securities.
	The following tables summarize the fair value of the defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Fair Value at			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 31,			Active Markets for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
		2013			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Investments at fair value:
	Short-term investments (a)	$	15,055		$	1,941		$	13,114
	Equity investments (b)	736,873			419,779			317,094
	Fixed income investments (c)	255,927			125,377			130,550
	Other assets (d)	47,494						29,553			$	17,941
		$	1,055,349		$	547,097		$	490,311		$	17,941
		Fair Value at			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 31,			Active Markets for Identical			Observable			Unobservable Inputs
		2012			Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Investments at fair value:
	Short-term investments (a)	$	68,795					$	68,795
	Equity investments (b)	490,993			$	243,553		247,440
	Fixed income investments (c)	239,558			131,276			108,282
	Other assets (d)	37,230						18,380			$	18,850
		$	836,576		$	374,829		$	442,897		$	18,850
		Fair Value at			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 31,			Active Markets for Identical			Observable			Unobservable Inputs
		2011			Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Investments at fair value:
	Short-term investments (a)	$	9,408					$	9,408
Equity investments (b)	482,694			$	268,307		214,387
Fixed income investments (c)	202,939			103,485			99,454
Other assets (d)	37,482						16,582			$	20,900
	$	732,523		$	371,792		$	339,831		$	20,900
(a)	This category includes a full range of high quality, short-term money market securities.
(b)	This category includes actively managed equity assets that track primarily to the S&P 500.
(c)	This category includes government and corporate bonds that track primarily to the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index.
(d)	This category consists of venture capital funds.
The following tables summarize the changes in the fair value of the defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	Balance at			Dispositions			Realized and Unrealized Gains			Balance at
	December 31,									December 31,
	2012									2013
Other assets	$	18,850		$	(4,068	)	$	3,159		$	17,941
	Balance at			Dispositions			Realized and Unrealized Gains			Balance at
	December 31,									December 31,
	2011									2012
Other assets	$	20,900		$	(3,827	)	$	1,777		$	18,850
	Balance at			Dispositions			Realized and Unrealized Gains			Balance at
	January 1,									December 31,
	2011									2011
Fixed income investments	$	5,535		$	(5,717	)	$	182
Other assets	19,152			(1,389		)	3,137			$	20,900
	$	24,687		$	(7,106	)	$	3,319		$	20,900
Included as equity investments in the domestic defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2013 were 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $55,050, representing 6.3 percent of total domestic plan assets. Dividends received on the Company’s common stock during 2013 totaled $600.
The following table summarizes the obligations, plan assets and assumptions used for the defined benefit pension plans, which are all measured as of December 31:
	Domestic									Foreign
	Defined Benefit Pension Plans									Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Accumulated benefit obligations	$	577,736		$	460,591		$	415,163		$	187,670		$	142,769		$	121,137
at end of year
Projected benefit obligations:
Balances at beginning of year	$	466,827		$	410,029		$	390,257		$	168,758		$	141,465		$	85,936
Service costs	23,176			19,061			17,933			5,039			3,654			3,055
Interest costs	18,444			17,442			18,602			7,940			6,927			5,954
Actuarial (gains) losses	(5,488		)	48,346			8,428			5,939			17,532			11,395
Acquisitions of businesses and other	113,174			2,496			1,194			39,622			(975		)	42,131
Effect of foreign exchange										1,549			6,633			(3,760		)
Benefits paid	(34,097		)	(30,547		)	(26,385		)	(5,851		)	(6,478		)	(3,246		)
Balances at end of year	582,036			466,827			410,029			222,996			168,758			141,465
Plan assets:
Balances at beginning of year	703,563			614,463			634,725			133,013			118,060			65,748
Actual returns on plan assets	128,117			119,647			6,123			20,316			10,201			987
Acquisitions of businesses and other	72,803									36,106			6,205			57,761
Effect of foreign exchange										1,379			5,025			(3,190		)
Benefits paid	(34,097		)	(30,547		)	(26,385		)	(5,851		)	(6,478		)	(3,246		)
Balances at end of year	870,386			703,563			614,463			184,963			133,013			118,060
Excess (deficient) plan assets over	$	288,350		$	236,736		$	204,434		$	(38,033	)	$	(35,745	)	$	(23,405	)
projected benefit obligations
Assets and liabilities recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Deferred pension assets	$	288,350		$	245,588		$	218,676		$	14,096		$	4,323		$	9,674
Other accruals										(1,126		)	(869		)	(829		)
Other long-term liabilities				(8,852		)	(14,242		)	(51,003		)	(39,199		)	(32,250		)
	$	288,350		$	236,736		$	204,434		$	(38,033	)	$	(35,745	)	$	(23,405	)
Amounts recognized in Cumulative other
comprehensive loss:
Net actuarial losses	$	(59,272	)	$	(163,088	)	$	(211,752	)	$	(35,183	)	$	(41,567	)	$	(26,994	)
Prior service costs	(6,043		)	(6,110		)	(5,206		)
	$	(65,315	)	$	(169,198	)	$	(216,958	)	$	(35,183	)	$	(41,567	)	$	(26,994	)
Weighted-average assumptions used to
determine projected benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.65		%	3.73		%	4.4		%	4.89		%	4.58		%	4.94		%
Rate of compensation increase	4		%	4		%	4		%	4.31		%	4.08		%	4.05		%
Weighted-average assumptions used to
determine net pension costs:
Discount rate	3.73		%	4.4		%	4.97		%	4.58		%	4.94		%	5.48		%
Expected long-term rate of	6		%	7.5		%	7.5		%	5.67		%	6.04		%	6.12		%
return on assets
Rate of compensation increase	4		%	4		%	4		%	4.08		%	4.04		%	4.06		%
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. Employees of the Company hired in the United States prior to January 1, 1993 who are not members of a collective bargaining unit, and certain groups of employees added through acquisitions, are eligible for health care and life insurance benefits upon retirement, subject to the terms of the unfunded plans. There were 4,419, 4,402 and 4,436 retired employees entitled to receive such postretirement benefits at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
The following table summarizes the obligation and the assumptions used for postretirement benefits other than pensions:
	Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions
	2013			2012			2011
Benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year - unfunded	$	338,134		$	316,795		$	315,572
Service cost	3,061			2,943			3,495
Interest cost	12,183			13,520			15,580
Actuarial (gain) loss	(53,096		)	18,961			(3,965		)
Benefits paid	(13,631		)	(14,085		)	(13,887		)
Balance at end of year - unfunded	$	286,651		$	338,134		$	316,795
Liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	$	(268,874	)	$	(320,223	)	$	(297,528	)
Other accruals	(17,777		)	(17,911		)	(19,267		)
	$	(286,651	)	$	(338,134	)	$	(316,795	)
Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss:
Net actuarial losses	$	(8,287	)	$	(62,814	)	$	(45,567	)
Prior service costs	2,503			328			983
	$	(5,784	)	$	(62,486	)	$	(44,584	)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:
Discount rate	4.6		%	3.7		%	4.4		%
Health care cost trend rate - pre-65	7.5		%	8		%	8		%
Health care cost trend rate - post-65	6.5		%	8		%	8		%
Prescription drug cost increases	7		%	8		%	8		%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	3.7		%	4.4		%	5.1		%
Health care cost trend rate - pre-65	8		%	8		%	7.5		%
Health care cost trend rate - post-65	8		%	8		%	7.5		%
Prescription drug cost increases	8		%	8		%	8		%
The following table summarizes the components of the net periodic benefit cost and cumulative other comprehensive loss related to postretirement benefits other than pensions:
	Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions
	2013			2012			2011
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	3,061		$	2,943		$	3,495
Interest cost	12,183			13,520			15,580
Amortization of actuarial losses	3,934			1,715			2,505
Amortization of prior service credit	(328		)	(656		)	(657		)
Net periodic benefit cost	18,850			17,522			20,923
Other changes in projected benefit obligation recognized in
Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):
Net actuarial (gain) loss	(53,096		)	18,961			(3,965		)
Amortization of actuarial losses	(3,934		)	(1,715		)	(2,505		)
Amortization of prior service credit	328			656			657
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	(56,702		)	17,902			(5,813		)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and	$	(37,852	)	$	35,424		$	15,110
Cumulative other comprehensive loss
The estimated prior service credit for postretirement benefits other than pensions that is expected to be amortized from Cumulative other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2014 is $(503).
The assumed health care cost trend rate and prescription drug cost increases used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for postretirement health care benefits for 2014 both decrease in each successive year until reaching 5.0 percent in 2022. The assumed health care and prescription drug cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care benefit obligation. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care and prescription drug cost trend rates would have had the following effects at December 31, 2013:
	One-Percentage-Point
	Increase			(Decrease)
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	148		$	(158	)
Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation	$	2,953		$	(3,120	)
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Medicare Act) introduced a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. In accordance with the accounting guidance related to the Medicare Act included in the Retirement Benefits Topic of the ASC, the effects of the federal subsidy resulted in a $21,400 reduction of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for benefits attributed to past service, which was recognized prospectively beginning July 1, 2004. During 2012, this recognition resulted in a $5,712 reduction of the net periodic benefit cost, which consisted of changes in actuarial experience and reductions in interest cost of $5,278 and $434, respectively. During 2011, this recognition resulted in a $7,073 reduction of the net periodic benefit cost, which consisted of changes in actuarial experience and reductions in interest cost of $6,831 and $242, respectively. There is no expense impact in years after 2012 due to the elimination of the tax deduction previously allowed for the Medicare Part D subsidy.
The Company expects to make retiree health care benefit cash payments and to receive Medicare Part D prescription cash reimbursements as follows:
	Retiree Health			Medicare Prescription			Expected Cash
	Care Benefits			Reimbursement			Payments - Net
2014	$	19,119		$	(1,342	)	$	17,777
2015	20,395			(1,511		)	18,884
2016	21,396			(1,680		)	19,716
2017	22,260						22,260
2018	22,606						22,606
2019 through 2023	109,636						109,636
Total expected benefit cash payments	$	215,412		$	(4,533	)	$	210,879

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	DEBT
	Long-term debt
		Due Date	2013		2012		2011
	1.35% Senior Notes	2017	$	699,277	$	699,091
	4.00% Senior Notes	2042	298,545		298,493
	7.375% Debentures	2027	119,366		129,060		$	129,056
	7.45% Debentures	2097	3,500		3,500		3,500
	2.00% to 2.02% Promissory Notes	Through 2023	1,685		2,109		6,808
	3.125% Senior Notes	2014			499,912		499,867
			$	1,122,373	$	1,632,165	$	639,231
	Maturities of long-term debt are as follows for the next five years: $502,991 in 2014; $355 in 2015; $217 in 2016; $700,150 in 2017 and $153 in 2018. Interest expense on long-term debt was $57,949, $36,188 and $31,883 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Among other restrictions, the Company’s Notes, Debentures and revolving credit agreement contain certain covenants relating to liens, ratings changes, merger and sale of assets, consolidated leverage and change of control as defined in the agreements. In the event of default under any one of these arrangements, acceleration of the maturity of any one or more of these borrowings may result. The Company was in compliance with all covenants for all years presented.
	On December 4, 2012, the Company issued $700,000 of 1.35% Senior Notes due 2017 and $300,000 of 4.00% Senior Notes due 2042. The Senior Notes are covered under a shelf registration filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 16, 2009. The proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of short-term borrowings and financing acquisitions.
	Short-term borrowings. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no borrowings outstanding under the domestic commercial paper program. At December 31, 2011, borrowings outstanding under the domestic commercial paper program totaled $264,902 and were included in Short-term borrowings. The weighted-average interest rate related to these borrowings was 0.2% at December 31, 2011. Borrowings outstanding under various foreign programs of $96,551, $69,035 and $81,375 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were included in Short-term borrowings. The weighted-average interest rate related to these borrowings was 7.8%, 2.8% and 4.9% at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	On September 19, 2012, Sherwin-Williams Luxembourg S.à r.l., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a €95,000 (Euro) five-year revolving credit facility. This facility replaced the existing €97,000 (Euro) credit facility. On June 29, 2012, Sherwin-Williams Canada Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a new CAD 75,000 five-year credit facility which replaced the existing credit facility. On March 18, 2013, the aggregate amount of this credit facility was increased to CAD 150,000. These credit facilities are being used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing indebtedness and for acquisitions.
	On January 30, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year credit agreement, subsequently amended on multiple dates, which gives the Company the right to borrow and to obtain the issuance, renewal, extension and increase of a letter of credit of up to an aggregate availability of $500,000. On April 23, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year credit agreement, subsequently amended on multiple dates, which gives the Company the right to borrow and to obtain the issuance, renewal, extension and increase of a letter of credit up to an aggregate availability of $250,000. On November 14, 2012, the Company entered into a three-year credit agreement, subsequently amended on multiple dates, which gives the Company the right to borrow and to obtain the issuance, renewal, extension and increase of a letter of credit up to an aggregate availability of $250,000. The three credit agreements entered into in 2012 replace prior credit facilities that matured in 2012 and 2011. At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were no borrowings outstanding under any of these credit agreements.
	The Company uses a revolving credit agreement primarily to satisfy its commercial paper program’s dollar for dollar liquidity requirement. On July 8, 2011, the Company entered into a new five-year $1.05 billion revolving credit agreement, which replaced the existing three-year $500,000 credit agreement. The new credit agreement allows the Company to extend the maturity of the facility with two one-year extension options and to increase the aggregate amount of the facility to $1.30 billion, both of which are subject to the discretion of each lender.

Other_Longterm_Liabilities

Other Long-term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]	'
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	'
	OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
	The operations of the Company, like those of other companies in our industry, are subject to various domestic and foreign environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations not only govern current operations and products, but also impose potential liability on the Company for past operations. Management expects environmental laws and regulations to impose increasingly stringent requirements upon the Company and the industry in the future. Management believes that the Company conducts its operations in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and has implemented various programs designed to protect the environment and promote continued compliance.
	The Company is involved with environmental investigation and remediation activities at some of its currently and formerly owned sites (including sites which were previously owned and/or operated by businesses acquired by the Company). In addition, the Company, together with other parties, has been designated a potentially responsible party under federal and state environmental protection laws for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination and hazardous waste at a number of third-party sites, primarily Superfund sites. In general, these laws provide that potentially responsible parties may be held jointly and severally liable for investigation and remediation costs regardless of fault. The Company may be similarly designated with respect to additional third-party sites in the future.
	The Company initially provides for estimated costs of environmental-related activities relating to its past operations and third-party sites for which commitments or clean-up plans have been developed and when such costs can be reasonably estimated based on industry standards and professional judgment. These estimated costs are determined based on currently available facts regarding each site. If the best estimate of costs can only be identified as a range and no specific amount within that range can be determined more likely than any other amount within the range, the minimum of the range is provided. The Company continuously assesses its potential liability for investigation and remediation-related activities and adjusts its environmental-related accruals as information becomes available upon which more accurate costs can be reasonably estimated and as additional accounting guidelines are issued. Included in Other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were accruals for extended environmental-related activities of $86,647, $97,220 and $89,266, respectively. Included in Other accruals at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were accruals for estimated costs of current investigation and remediation activities of $15,385, $17,101 and $42,847, respectively.
	Actual costs incurred may vary from the accrued estimates due to the inherent uncertainties involved including, among others, the number and financial condition of parties involved with respect to any given site, the volumetric contribution which may be attributed to the Company relative to that attributed to other parties, the nature and magnitude of the wastes involved, the various technologies that can be used for remediation and the determination of acceptable remediation with respect to a particular site. If the Company’s future loss contingency is ultimately determined to be at the unaccrued maximum of the estimated range of possible outcomes for every site for which costs can be reasonably estimated, the Company’s accrual for environmental-related activities would be $87,074 higher than the minimum accruals at December 31, 2013.
	Two of the Company’s currently and formerly owned manufacturing sites account for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities and the unaccrued maximum of the estimated range of possible outcomes at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, $56,921, or 55.9 percent of the total accrual, related directly to these two sites. In the aggregate unaccrued maximum of $87,074 at December 31, 2013, $59,245, or 68.0 percent, related to the two manufacturing sites. While environmental investigations and remedial actions are in different stages at these sites, additional investigations, remedial actions and monitoring will likely be required at each site.
	Management cannot presently estimate the ultimate potential loss contingencies related to these sites or other less significant sites until such time as a substantial portion of the investigation at the sites is completed and remedial action plans are developed. In the event any future loss contingency significantly exceeds the current amount accrued, the recording of the ultimate liability may result in a material impact on net income for the annual or interim period during which the additional costs are accrued. Management does not believe that any potential liability ultimately attributed to the Company for its environmental-related matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, or cash flow due to the extended period of time during which environmental investigation and remediation takes place. An estimate of the potential impact on the Company’s operations cannot be made due to the aforementioned uncertainties.
	Management expects these contingent environmental-related liabilities to be resolved over an extended period of time. Management is unable to provide a more specific time frame due to the indefinite amount of time to conduct investigation activities at any site, the indefinite amount of time to obtain environmental agency approval, as necessary, with respect to investigation and remediation activities, and the indefinite amount of time necessary to conduct remediation activities.
	The Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic of the ASC requires a liability to be recognized for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if a settlement date and fair value can be reasonably estimated. The Company recognizes a liability for any conditional asset retirement obligation when sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate a settlement date to determine the fair value of such a liability. The Company has identified certain conditional asset retirement obligations at various current and closed manufacturing, distribution and store facilities. These obligations relate primarily to asbestos abatement, hazardous waste Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) closures, well abandonment, transformers and used oil disposals and underground storage tank closures. Using investigative, remediation and disposal methods that are currently available to the Company, the estimated costs of these obligations were accrued and are not significant. The recording of additional liabilities for future conditional asset retirement obligations may result in a material impact on net income for the annual or interim period during which the costs are accrued. Management does not believe that any potential liability ultimately attributed to the Company for its conditional asset retirement obligations will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, or cash flow due to the extended period of time over which sufficient information may become available regarding the closure or modification of any one or group of the Company’s facilities. An estimate of the potential impact on the Company’s operations cannot be made due to the aforementioned uncertainties.

Litigation

Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]	'
LITIGATION	'
	LITIGATION
	In the course of its business, the Company is subject to a variety of claims and lawsuits, including, but not limited to, litigation relating to product liability and warranty, personal injury, environmental, intellectual property, commercial, contractual and antitrust claims that are inherently subject to many uncertainties regarding the possibility of a loss to the Company. These uncertainties will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur confirming the incurrence of a liability or the reduction of a liability. In accordance with the Contingencies Topic of the ASC, the Company accrues for these contingencies by a charge to income when it is both probable that one or more future events will occur confirming the fact of a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In the event that the Company’s loss contingency is ultimately determined to be significantly higher than currently accrued, the recording of the additional liability may result in a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition for the annual or interim period during which such additional liability is accrued. In those cases where no accrual is recorded because it is not probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of any such loss cannot be reasonably estimated, any potential liability ultimately determined to be attributable to the Company may result in a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition for the annual or interim period during which such liability is accrued. In those cases where no accrual is recorded or exposure to loss exists in excess of the amount accrued, the Contingencies Topic of the ASC requires disclosure of the contingency when there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or additional loss may have been incurred.
	Lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation. The Company’s past operations included the manufacture and sale of lead pigments and lead-based paints. The Company, along with other companies, is and has been a defendant in a number of legal proceedings, including individual personal injury actions, purported class actions, and actions brought by various counties, cities, school districts and other government-related entities, arising from the manufacture and sale of lead pigments and lead-based paints. The plaintiffs’ claims have been based upon various legal theories, including negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentations and omissions, fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions, concert of action, civil conspiracy, violations of unfair trade practice and consumer protection laws, enterprise liability, market share liability, public nuisance, unjust enrichment and other theories. The plaintiffs seek various damages and relief, including personal injury and property damage, costs relating to the detection and abatement of lead-based paint from buildings, costs associated with a public education campaign, medical monitoring costs and others. The Company is also a defendant in legal proceedings arising from the manufacture and sale of non-lead-based paints that seek recovery based upon various legal theories, including the failure to adequately warn of potential exposure to lead during surface preparation when using non-lead-based paint on surfaces previously painted with lead-based paint. The Company believes that the litigation brought to date is without merit or subject to meritorious defenses and is vigorously defending such litigation. The Company has not settled any lead pigment or lead-based paint litigation. The Company expects that additional lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation may be filed against the Company in the future asserting similar or different legal theories and seeking similar or different types of damages and relief.
	Notwithstanding the Company’s views on the merits, litigation is inherently subject to many uncertainties, and the Company ultimately may not prevail. Adverse court rulings or determinations of liability, among other factors, could affect the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation against the Company and encourage an increase in the number and nature of future claims and proceedings. In addition, from time to time, various legislation and administrative regulations have been enacted, promulgated or proposed to impose obligations on present and former manufacturers of lead pigments and lead-based paints respecting asserted health concerns associated with such products or to overturn the effect of court decisions in which the Company and other manufacturers have been successful.
	Due to the uncertainties involved, management is unable to predict the outcome of the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation, the number or nature of possible future claims and proceedings, or the effect that any legislation and/or administrative regulations may have on the litigation or against the Company. In addition, management cannot reasonably determine the scope or amount of the potential costs and liabilities related to such litigation, or resulting from any such legislation and regulations. The Company has not accrued any amounts for such litigation. With respect to such litigation, including the public nuisance litigation, the Company does not believe that it is probable that a loss has occurred, and it is not possible to estimate the range of potential losses as there is no prior history of a loss of this nature and there is no substantive information upon which an estimate could be based. In addition, any potential liability that may result from any changes to legislation and regulations cannot reasonably be estimated. In the event any significant liability is determined to be attributable to the Company relating to such litigation, the recording of the liability may result in a material impact on net income for the annual or interim period during which such liability is accrued. Additionally, due to the uncertainties associated with the amount of any such liability and/or the nature of any other remedy which may be imposed in such litigation, any potential liability determined to be attributable to the Company arising out of such litigation may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. An estimate of the potential impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition cannot be made due to the aforementioned uncertainties.
	Public nuisance claim litigation. The Company and other companies are or were defendants in legal proceedings seeking recovery based on public nuisance liability theories, among other theories, brought by the State of Rhode Island, the City of St. Louis, Missouri, various cities and counties in the State of New Jersey, various cities in the State of Ohio and the State of Ohio, the City of Chicago, Illinois, the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the County of Santa Clara, California and other public entities in the State of California. Except for the Santa Clara County, California proceeding, all of these legal proceedings have been concluded in favor of the Company and other defendants at various stages in the proceedings.
	The proceedings initiated by the State of Rhode Island included two jury trials. At the conclusion of the second trial, the jury returned a verdict finding that (i) the cumulative presence of lead pigment in paints and coatings on buildings in the State of Rhode Island constitutes a public nuisance, (ii) the Company, along with two other defendants, caused or substantially contributed to the creation of the public nuisance, and (iii) the Company and two other defendants should be ordered to abate the public nuisance. The Company and two other defendants appealed and, on July 1, 2008, the Rhode Island Supreme Court, among other determinations, reversed the judgment of abatement with respect to the Company and two other defendants. The Rhode Island Supreme Court’s decision reversed the public nuisance liability judgment against the Company on the basis that the complaint failed to state a public nuisance claim as a matter of law.
	The Santa Clara County, California proceeding was initiated in March 2000 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara. In the original complaint, the plaintiffs asserted various claims including fraud and concealment, strict product liability/failure to warn, strict product liability/design defect, negligence, negligent breach of a special duty, public nuisance, private nuisance, and violations of California’s Business and Professions Code. A number of the asserted claims were resolved in favor of the defendants through pre-trial proceedings. The named plaintiffs in the Fourth Amended Complaint, filed on March 16, 2011, are the Counties of Santa Clara, Alameda, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Mateo, Solano and Ventura, and the Cities of Oakland and San Diego and the City and County of San Francisco. The Fourth Amended Complaint asserted a sole claim for public nuisance, alleging that the presence of lead pigments for use in paint and coatings in, on and around residences in the plaintiffs’ jurisdictions constitutes a public nuisance. The plaintiffs sought the abatement of the alleged public nuisance that exists within the plaintiffs’ jurisdictions. A trial commenced on July 15, 2013 and ended on August 22, 2013. The court entered final judgment on January 27, 2014, finding in favor of the plaintiffs and against the Company and two other defendants (ConAgra Grocery Products Company and NL Industries, Inc.). The final judgment held the Company jointly and severally liable with the other two defendants to pay $1.15 billion into a fund to abate the public nuisance. The Company strongly disagrees with the judgment. The Company has filed a motion for new trial and a motion to vacate the judgment, and will file a notice of appeal at the appropriate time. The Company believes that the judgment conflicts with established principles of law and is unsupported by the evidence. The Company has had a favorable history with respect to lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation, particularly other public nuisance litigation, and accordingly, the Company believes that it is not probable that a loss has occurred and it is not possible to estimate the range of potential loss with respect to the case.
	Litigation seeking damages from alleged personal injury. The Company and other companies are defendants in a number of legal proceedings seeking monetary damages and other relief from alleged personal injuries. These proceedings include claims by children allegedly injured from ingestion of lead pigment or lead-containing paint, claims for damages allegedly incurred by the children’s parents or guardians, and claims for damages allegedly incurred by professional painting contractors. These proceedings generally seek compensatory and punitive damages, and seek other relief including medical monitoring costs. These proceedings include purported claims by individuals, groups of individuals and class actions.
	The plaintiff in Thomas v. Lead Industries Association, et al., initiated an action in state court against the Company, other alleged former lead pigment manufacturers and the Lead Industries Association in September 1999. The claims against the Company and the other defendants included strict liability, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and omissions, fraudulent misrepresentation and omissions, concert of action, civil conspiracy and enterprise liability. Implicit within these claims is the theory of “risk contribution” liability (Wisconsin’s theory which is similar to market share liability) due to the plaintiff’s inability to identify the manufacturer of any product that allegedly injured the plaintiff. The case ultimately proceeded to trial and, on November 5, 2007, the jury returned a defense verdict, finding that the plaintiff had ingested white lead carbonate, but was not brain damaged or injured as a result. The plaintiff appealed and, on December 16, 2010, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals affirmed the final judgment in favor of the Company and other defendants.
	Wisconsin is the only jurisdiction to date to apply a theory of liability with respect to alleged personal injury (i.e., risk contribution/market share liability) that does not require the plaintiff to identify the manufacturer of the product that allegedly injured the plaintiff in the lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation. Although the risk contribution liability theory was applied during the Thomas trial, the constitutionality of this theory as applied to the lead pigment cases has not been judicially determined by the Wisconsin state courts. However, in an unrelated action filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Gibson v. American Cyanamid, et al., on November 15, 2010, the District Court held that Wisconsin’s risk contribution theory as applied in that case violated the defendants’ right to substantive due process and is unconstitutionally retroactive. The District Court's decision in Gibson v. American Cyanamid, et al., has been appealed by the plaintiff.
	Insurance coverage litigation. The Company and its liability insurers, including certain underwriters at Lloyd’s of London, initiated legal proceedings against each other to primarily determine, among other things, whether the costs and liabilities associated with the abatement of lead pigment are covered under certain insurance policies issued to the Company. The Company’s action, filed on March 3, 2006 in the Common Pleas Court, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, is currently stayed and inactive. The liability insurers’ action, which was filed on February 23, 2006 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, has been dismissed. An ultimate loss in the insurance coverage litigation would mean that insurance proceeds could be unavailable under the policies at issue to mitigate any ultimate abatement related costs and liabilities. The Company has not recorded any assets related to these insurance policies or otherwise assumed that proceeds from these insurance policies would be received in estimating any contingent liability accrual. Therefore, an ultimate loss in the insurance coverage litigation without a determination of liability against the Company in the lead pigment or lead-based paint litigation will have no impact on the Company’s results of operation, liquidity or financial condition. As previously stated, however, the Company has not accrued any amounts for the lead pigment or lead-based paint litigation and any significant liability ultimately determined to be attributable to the Company relating to such litigation may result in a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition for the annual or interim period during which such liability is accrued.
	Department of Labor (DOL) leveraged ESOP settlement. As previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, on February 20, 2013, the Company reached a settlement with the DOL of the DOL's investigation of transactions related to the Company's ESOP that were implemented on August 1, 2006 and August 27, 2003. The DOL had notified the Company, among others, of potential enforcement claims asserting breaches of fiduciary obligations and sought compensatory and equitable remedies. The Company resolved all ESOP related claims with the DOL by agreeing, in part, to make a one-time payment of $80,000 to the ESOP, resulting in a $49,163 after tax charge to earnings in the fourth quarter of 2012. The Company made this required $80,000 payment to the ESOP during the first quarter of 2013.
	Government tax assessment settlements related to Brazilian operations. Charges of $28,711 and $2,873 were recorded to Cost of goods sold and SG&A, respectively, during 2013. The charges were primarily related to import duty taxes paid to the Brazilian government related to the handling of import duties on products brought into the country for the years 2006 through 2012. The Company elected to pay the taxes through an existing voluntary amnesty program offered by the government to resolve these issues rather than contest them in court. The after-tax charges were $21,858 for the year. The Company's import duty process in Brazil was changed to reach a final resolution of this matter with the Brazilian government.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
CAPITAL STOCK	'
	CAPITAL STOCK
	At December 31, 2013, there were 300,000,000 shares of common stock and 30,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock authorized for issuance. Of the authorized serial preferred stock, 3,000,000 shares are designated as cumulative redeemable serial preferred and 1,000,000 shares are designated as convertible serial preferred stock. See Note 11. Under the amended and restated 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (2006 Employee Plan), 19,200,000 common shares may be issued or transferred. See Note 12. An aggregate of 12,121,210, 13,558,565 and 18,013,429 shares of common stock at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were reserved for future grants of restricted stock and the exercise and future grants of option rights. See Note 12. Common shares outstanding shown in the following table included 486,138, 484,872 and 475,628 shares of common stock held in a revocable trust at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The revocable trust is used to accumulate assets for the purpose of funding the ultimate obligation of certain non-qualified benefit plans. Transactions between the Company and the trust are accounted for in accordance with the Deferred Compensation – Rabbi Trusts Subtopic of the Compensation Topic of the ASC, which requires the assets held by the trust be consolidated with the Company’s accounts. Effective March 31, 2011, the company retired 125,425,977 common shares held in treasury, which resulted in decreases in Treasury stock, common stock and retained earnings.
		Common Shares		Common Shares
		in Treasury		Outstanding
	Balance at January 1, 2011	124,324,862		107,020,728
	Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised	2,274		(2,274	)
	Shares issued for exercise of option rights			1,480,058
	Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock			55,722
	Treasury stock purchased	4,700,000		(4,700,000	)
	Treasury stock retired	(125,425,977	)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	3,601,159		103,854,234
	Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised	7,766		(7,766	)
	Shares issued for exercise of option rights			4,140,822
	Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock	143,979		(143,979	)
	Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock			26,756
	Treasury stock purchased	4,600,000		(4,600,000	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	8,352,904		103,270,067
	Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised	2,697		(2,697	)
	Shares issued for exercise of option rights			1,127,942
	Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock	116,897		(116,897	)
	Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock			150,965
	Treasury stock purchased	4,300,000		(4,300,000	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	12,772,498		100,129,380

Stock_Purchase_Plan_and_Prefer

Stock Purchase Plan and Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Purchase Plan and Preferred Stock [Abstract]	'
STOCK PURCHASE PLAN AND PREFERRED STOCK	'
	STOCK PURCHASE PLAN AND PREFERRED STOCK
	As of December 31, 2013, 32,154 employees contributed to the Company’s ESOP, a voluntary defined contribution plan available to all eligible salaried employees. Participants are allowed to contribute, on a pretax or after-tax basis, up to the lesser of twenty percent of their annual compensation or the maximum dollar amount allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. Prior to July 1, 2009, the Company matched one hundred percent of all contributions up to six percent of eligible employee contributions. Effective July 1, 2009, the ESOP was amended to change the Company match to one hundred percent on the first three percent of eligible employee contributions and fifty percent on the next two percent of eligible contributions. Effective July 1, 2011, the ESOP was amended to reinstate the Company match up to six percent of eligible employee contributions. Such participant contributions may be invested in a variety of investment funds or a Company common stock fund and may be exchanged between investments as directed by the participant. Participants are permitted to diversify both future and prior Company matching contributions previously allocated to the Company common stock fund into a variety of investment funds.
	The Company made contributions to the ESOP on behalf of participating employees, representing amounts authorized by employees to be withheld from their earnings, of $97,381, $88,363 and $79,266 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company’s matching contributions to the ESOP charged to operations were $67,428, $142,791 and $48,816 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 2012 Company contributions include $80,000 related to the DOL Settlement. See Note 9 for additional information on the DOL Settlement.
	At December 31, 2013, there were 13,609,442 shares of the Company’s common stock being held by the ESOP, representing 13.6 percent of the total number of voting shares outstanding. Shares of Company common stock credited to each member’s account under the ESOP are voted by the trustee under instructions from each individual plan member. Shares for which no instructions are received are voted by the trustee in the same proportion as those for which instructions are received.
	On August 1, 2006, the Company issued 500,000 shares of convertible serial preferred stock, no par value (Series 2 Preferred stock) with cumulative quarterly dividends of $11.25 per share, for $500,000 to the ESOP. The ESOP financed the acquisition of the Series 2 Preferred stock by borrowing $500,000 from the Company at the rate of 5.5 percent per annum. This borrowing is payable over ten years in equal quarterly installments. Each share of Series 2 Preferred stock is entitled to one vote upon all matters presented to the Company’s shareholders and generally votes with the common stock together as one class. The Series 2 Preferred stock is held by the ESOP in an unallocated account. As the value of compensation expense related to contributions to the ESOP is earned, the Company has the option of funding the ESOP by redeeming a portion of the preferred stock or with cash. Contributions are credited to the members’ accounts at the time of funding. The Series 2 Preferred stock is redeemable for cash or convertible into common stock or any combination thereof at the option of the ESOP based on the relative fair value of the Series 2 Preferred and common stock at the time of conversion.
	At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were no allocated or committed-to-be released shares of Series 2 Preferred stock outstanding. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company redeemed 60,681, 59,187 and 56,480 shares of the Series 2 Preferred stock for cash, respectively. The fair value of the Series 2 Preferred stock is based on a conversion/redemption formula outlined in the preferred stock terms and was $86,309, $210,773 and $328,495 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The amended and restated 2006 Employee Plan authorizes the Board of Directors, or a committee of the Board of Directors, to issue or transfer up to an aggregate of 19,200,000 shares of common stock, plus any shares relating to awards that expire, are forfeited or canceled. The Employee Plan permits the granting of option rights, appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units to eligible employees. At December 31, 2013, no appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units had been granted under the 2006 Employee Plan.
	The 2006 Stock Plan for Nonemployee Directors (Nonemployee Director Plan) authorizes the Board of Directors, or a committee of the Board of Directors, to issue or transfer up to an aggregate of 200,000 shares of common stock, plus any shares relating to awards that expire, are forfeited or are canceled. The Nonemployee Director Plan permits the granting of option rights, appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company. At December 31, 2013, no option rights, appreciation rights or restricted stock units had been granted under the Nonemployee Director Plan.
	The cost of the Company’s stock-based compensation is recorded in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the ASC. The tax benefits associated with these share-based payments are classified as financing activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $74,702 that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.24 years. Stock-based compensation expense during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $58,004, $54,348 and $48,176, respectively. The Company recognized a total income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense of $22,368, $20,948 and $18,570 during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The impact of total stock-based compensation expense, net of taxes, on net income reduced Basic and Diluted net income per common share by $.35 and $.34 during 2013, respectively.
	Option rights. The fair value of the Company’s option rights was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for all options granted:
		2013		2012		2011
	Risk-free interest rate	1.37%		0.78%		1.13%
	Expected life of option rights	5.10 years		5.11 years		5.27 years
	Expected dividend yield	1.32%		1.43%		1.77%
	of stock
	Expected volatility of stock	0.281		0.274		0.303
	The risk-free interest rate is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant. The expected life of option rights was calculated using a scenario analysis model. Historical data was used to aggregate the holding period from actual exercises, post-vesting cancellations and hypothetical assumed exercises on all outstanding option rights. The expected dividend yield of stock is the Company’s best estimate of the expected future dividend yield. Expected volatility of stock was calculated using historical and implied volatilities. The Company applied an estimated forfeiture rate of 2.60 percent to the 2013 grants. This rate was calculated based upon historical activity and is an estimate of granted shares not expected to vest. If actual forfeitures differ from the expected rate, the Company may be required to make additional adjustments to compensation expense in future periods.
	Grants of option rights for non-qualified and incentive stock options have been awarded to certain officers, key employees and nonemployee directors under the 2006 Employee Plan, the 2003 Stock Plan and the 1997 Plan. The option rights generally become exercisable to the extent of one-third of the optioned shares for each full year following the date of grant and generally expire ten years after the date of grant. Unrecognized compensation expense with respect to option rights granted to eligible employees amounted to $43,575 at December 31, 2013. The unrecognized compensation expense is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.34 years.
	The weighted-average per share grant date fair value of options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was $41.91, $32.74 and $18.47. The total intrinsic value of exercised option rights for employees was $129,742, $298,883 and $53,100, and for nonemployee directors was $525, $1,412 and $1,129 during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the year was $28,658, $25,879 and $25,868 during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. There were no outstanding option rights for nonemployee directors for 2013. The outstanding option rights for nonemployee directors were 3,500 and 17,500 for 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company issues new shares upon exercise of option rights or granting of restricted stock.
	A summary of the Company’s non-qualified and incentive stock option right activity for employees and nonemployee directors, and related information for the years ended December 31 is shown in the following table:
		2013										2012						2011
		Optioned			Weighted-				Aggregate			Optioned		Weighted-		Aggregate		Optioned		Weighted-		Aggregate
		Shares			Average				Intrinsic			Shares		Average		Intrinsic		Shares		Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise				Value					Exercise		Value				Exercise		Value
					Price									Price						Price
					Per Share									Per Share						Per Share
	Outstanding beginning	6,748,126			$	79.39						9,857,695		$	60.31			10,009,385		$	55.82
	of year
	Granted	898,728			179.67							1,089,240		152.93				1,407,259		78.72
	Exercised	(1,127,942	)		61.46							(4,140,822	)	53.4				(1,480,058	)	47.15
	Forfeited	(33,278	)		115.24							(57,730	)	78.01				(76,354	)	67.02
	Expired	(1,042	)		79.73							(257	)	72.65				(2,537	)	53.65
	Outstanding end of year	6,484,592			$	96.25			$	563,554		6,748,126		$	79.39	$	494,699	9,857,695		$	60.31	$	287,526
	Exercisable at end of year	4,424,674			$	71.86			$	492,689		4,245,891		$	61.43	$	386,484	6,908,116		$	54.24	$	243,440
	The weighted-average remaining term for options outstanding at the end of 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was 6.75, 6.99 and 6.54 years. The weighted-average remaining term for options exercisable at the end of 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was 5.71, 5.79 and 5.39 years. Shares reserved for future grants of option rights and restricted stock were 5,636,618, 6,810,439 and 8,155,734 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Restricted stock. Grants of restricted stock, which generally require three years of continuous employment from the date of grant before vesting and receiving the stock without restriction, have been awarded to certain officers and key employees under the 2006 Employee Plan. The February 2013, 2012 and 2011 grants consisted of approximately two-thirds performance-based awards and one-third time-based awards. The performance-based awards vest at the end of a three-year period based on the Company’s achievement of specified financial goals relating to earnings per share. The time-based awards vest at the end of a three-year period based on continuous employment. Unrecognized compensation expense with respect to grants of restricted stock to eligible employees amounted to $29,944 at December 31, 2013 and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.96 years.
	Grants of restricted stock have been awarded to nonemployee directors under the Nonemployee Plan and the 1997 Plan. These grants generally vest and stock is received without restriction to the extent of one-third of the granted stock for each year following the date of grant. Unrecognized compensation expense with respect to grants of restricted stock to nonemployee directors amounted to $1,182 at December 31, 2013 and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.22 years.
	A summary of grants of restricted stock to certain officers, key employees and nonemployee directors during each year is as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Restricted stock granted	172,406				301,856				300,677
	Weighted-average per share	$	163.63			$	99.47			$	84.86
	fair value of restricted stock
	granted during the year
	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31 is shown in the following table:
		2013			2012			2011
	Outstanding at beginning	919,748			1,304,891			1,266,201
	of year
	Granted	172,406			301,856			300,677
	Vested	(334,750	)		(412,859	)		(16,072	)
	Forfeited	(8,022	)		(274,140	)		(245,915	)
	Outstanding at end of year	749,382			919,748			1,304,891

Other

Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
OTHER	'
	OTHER
	Other general expense - net. Included in Other general expense - net were the following:
		2013			2012			2011
	Provisions for environmental	$	(2,751	)	$	6,736		$	9,100
	matters - net
	Loss (gain) on disposition	5,207			3,454			(5,469		)
	of assets
	Net expense (income) of exit	63			(4,942		)	(900		)
	or disposal activities
	Total	$	2,519		$	5,248		$	2,731
	Provisions for environmental matters–net represent initial provisions for site-specific estimated costs of environmental investigation or remediation and increases or decreases to
	environmental-related accruals as information becomes available upon which more accurate costs can be reasonably estimated and as additional accounting guidelines are issued. Environmental-related accruals are not recorded net of insurance proceeds in accordance with the Offsetting Subtopic of the Balance Sheet Topic of the ASC. See Note 8 for further details on the Company’s environmental-related activities.
	The loss (gain) on disposition of assets represents net realized gains and losses associated with the disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets previously used in the conduct of the primary business of the Company.
	The net expense (income) of exit or disposal activities includes changes to accrued qualified exit costs as information becomes available upon which more accurate amounts can be reasonably estimated, initial impairments of carrying value and additional impairments for subsequent reductions in estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment held for disposal. See Note 5 for further details on the Company’s exit or disposal activities.
	Other expense (income) - net. Included in Other expense (income) - net were the following:
		2013			2012			2011
	Dividend and royalty income	$	(5,904	)	$	(4,666	)	$	(4,963	)
	Net expense from	9,829			9,220			8,023
	financing activities
	Foreign currency transaction	7,669			(3,071		)	4,748
	related losses (gains)
	Other income	(22,684		)	(21,074		)	(22,167		)
	Other expense	12,026			9,651			9,550
	Total	$	936		$	(9,940	)	$	(4,809	)
	The Net expense from financing activities includes the net expense relating to changes in the Company’s financing fees.
	Foreign currency transaction related losses (gains) represent net realized losses (gains) on U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and net realized and unrealized losses (gains) from foreign currency option and forward contracts. There were no foreign currency option and forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Other income and Other expense included items of revenue, gains, expenses and losses that were unrelated to the primary business purpose of the Company. There were no items within Other income or Other expense that were individually significant.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes using the enacted tax rates and laws that are currently in effect. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Deferred tax assets:
	Exit costs, environ-mental and other	$	45,322			$	45,403			$	53,928
	similar items
	Deferred employee	32,600				93,039				74,577
	benefit items
	Other items (each	53,727				73,388				83,192
	less than 5 percent
	of total assets)
	Total deferred	$	131,649			$	211,830			$	211,697
	tax assets
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and	$	214,696			$	202,891			$	192,035
	amortization
	Netted against the Company’s other deferred tax assets were valuation allowances of $7,390, $11,474 and $8,017 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These reserves resulted from the uncertainty as to the realization of the tax benefits from foreign net operating losses and other foreign assets. The Company has $17,294 of domestic net operating loss carryforwards acquired through acquisitions that have expiration dates through the tax year 2032 and foreign net operating losses of $71,541. The foreign net operating losses are related to various jurisdictions that provide for both indefinite carryforward periods and others with carryforward periods that range from the tax years 2018 to 2033.
	Significant components of the provisions for income taxes were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	229,997			$	207,791			$	204,284
	Foreign	42,543				51,264				50,272
	State and local	33,082				27,642				28,219
	Total current	305,622				286,697				282,775
	Deferred:
	Federal	30,384				8,692				20,713
	Foreign	(9,041		)		(16,964		)		(3,922		)
	State and local	6,432				(2,150		)		122
	Total deferred	27,775				(10,422		)		16,913
	Total provisions for	$	333,397			$	276,275			$	299,688
	income taxes
	The provisions for income taxes included estimated taxes payable on that portion of retained earnings of foreign subsidiaries expected to be received by the Company. The effect of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and the provisions of the Income Taxes Topic of the ASC, was $4,411 in 2013, $7,572 in 2012 and $(491) in 2011. A provision was not made with respect to $7,014 of retained earnings at December 31, 2013 that have been invested by foreign subsidiaries. The unrecognized deferred tax liability related to those earnings is approximately $1,294.
	Significant components of income before income taxes as used for income tax purposes, were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Domestic	$	969,790			$	712,873			$	560,395
	Foreign	116,168				194,436				181,153
		$	1,085,958			$	907,309			$	741,548
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory federal	35	%		35	%		35	%
	income tax rate
	Effect of:
	State and local	2.4			1.8			2.1
	income taxes
	Investment vehicles	(2.1	)		(2.1	)		(1.9	)
	ESOP IRS audit							10.1
	settlement
	Domestic production	(2.2	)		(1.9	)		(2.4	)
	activities
	Other - net	(2.4	)		(2.4	)		(2.5	)
	Effective tax rate	30.7	%		30.4	%		40.4	%
	The 2013 state and local income tax component of the effective tax rate increased compared to 2012 primarily due to an increase in domestic income before income taxes in 2013 compared to 2012. The 2013 investment vehicles and domestic production activities components of the effective tax rate were consistent with the 2012 year. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company reached a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that resolved all ESOP related tax issues for the 2003 through 2009 tax years. The settlement negatively impacted the effective tax rate for 2011.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The IRS commenced an examination of the Company's U.S. income tax returns for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 tax years in the fourth quarter of 2013. Fieldwork is expected to be completed during 2014. At this time, the Company has determined that an insignificant refund is due for issues under review during this audit period. The IRS completed an examination of the Company's U.S. income tax returns for the 2008 and 2009 tax years in the third quarter of 2013. The audit adjustments had an insignificant impact on the Company's 2013 effective tax rate. The Company has fully resolved all IRS issues relating to the matters challenging the ESOP related federal income tax deductions claimed by the Company. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company made a final interest payment of $1,991 related to the 2008 ESOP adjustment which had been disclosed in prior years.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company is subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations for the tax years of 2006 through 2013. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2003 through 2013.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Balance at beginning	$	28,119			$	29,666			$	31,268
	of year
	Additions based on	3,480				3,760				2,807
	tax positions related
	to the current year
	Additions for tax	5,059				7,392				1,354
	positions of prior
years
Reductions for tax	(3,378		)		(6,583		)		(3,339		)
positions of prior
years
Settlements	(103		)		(1,139		)		(1,089		)
Lapses of Statutes	(2,180		)		(4,977		)		(1,335		)
of Limitations
Balance at end of year	$	30,997			$	28,119			$	29,666
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is $27,767, $25,011 and $25,569 in unrecognized tax benefits, the recognition of which would have an effect on the effective tax rate.
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013 is $5,551 related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could significantly change during the next twelve months. This amount represents a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits comprised primarily of items related to federal audits of partnership investments, assessed state income tax audits, federal and state settlement negotiations currently in progress and expiring statutes in federal, foreign and state jurisdictions.
The Company classifies all income tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2013, there was an increase of $103 in income tax interest and penalties and in 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized a release of $1,532 and $1,163, respectively. At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company has accrued $6,246, $6,178 and $8,095, respectively, for the potential payment of interest and penalties.

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share

Net Income Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE	'
	NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
		2013			2012			2011
	Basic
	Average common shares outstanding	100,897,512			101,714,901			103,471,323
	Net income	$	752,561		$	631,034		$	441,860
	Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares	(4,596		)	(5,114		)	(4,825		)
	Net income allocated to common shares	$	747,965		$	625,920		$	437,035
	Net income per common share	$	7.41		$	6.15		$	4.22
	Diluted
	Average common shares outstanding	100,897,512			101,714,901			103,471,323
	Stock options and other contingently issuable shares (a)	2,151,359			2,215,528			2,200,650
	Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution	103,048,871			103,930,429			105,671,973
	Net income	$	752,561		$	631,034		$	441,860
	Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares	(4,509		)	(5,008		)	(4,756		)
	assuming dilution
	Net income allocated to common shares assuming dilution	$	748,052		$	626,026		$	437,104
	Net income per common share	$	7.26		$	6.02		$	4.14
	(a)	Stock options and other contingently issuable shares excludes 842,354, 1,047,734 and 101,260 shares at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.
	The Company has two classes of participating securities: common shares and restricted shares, representing 99% and 1% of outstanding shares, respectively. The restricted shares are shares of unvested restricted stock granted under the Company’s restricted stock award program. Unvested restricted shares granted prior to April 21, 2010 received non-forfeitable dividends. Accordingly, the shares are considered a participating security and the two-class method of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share is required. Effective April 21, 2010, the restricted stock award program was revised and dividends on performance-based restricted shares granted after this date are deferred and payment is contingent upon the awards vesting. Only the time-based restricted shares, which continue to receive non-forfeitable dividends, are considered a participating security. Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated using the two-class method in accordance with the Earnings Per Share Topic of the ASC.

Summary_of_Quarterly_Results_o

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	'
	SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
		2013
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter		Full Year
	Net sales	$	2,167,168	$	2,713,889	$	2,847,417	$	2,457,058	$	10,185,532
	Gross profit	962,851		1,233,579		1,295,958		1,124,178		4,616,566
	Net income	116,185		257,287		262,966		116,123		752,561
	Net income per common share - basic	1.13		2.51		2.61		1.16		7.41
	Net income per common share - diluted	1.11		2.46		2.55		1.14		7.26
	Net income in the fourth quarter was increased by inventory adjustments. Gross profit increased by $14,938 ($.09 per share), primarily as a result of adjustments based on an annual physical inventory count performed during the fourth quarter, year-end inventory levels and related cost adjustments.
		2012
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter		Full Year
	Net sales	$	2,136,344	$	2,573,022	$	2,603,226	$	2,221,870	$	9,534,462
	Gross profit	909,839		1,150,597		1,150,282		995,508		4,206,226
	Net income	100,216		227,813		234,953		68,052		631,034
	Net income per common share - basic	0.97		2.23		2.29		0.66		6.15
	Net income per common share - diluted	0.95		2.17		2.24		0.65		6.02
	Net income in the fourth quarter was decreased by $49,163 ($.47 per share) due to the DOL Settlement (see Note 9) and increased by inventory adjustments and adjustments to compensation and benefit expenses. Gross profit increased by $28,724 ($.17 per share), primarily as a result of adjustments of $29,488 based on an annual physical inventory count performed during the fourth quarter, year-end inventory levels and related cost adjustments. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $5,645 ($.03 per share) related to compensation and benefit expense adjustments.

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
OPERATING LEASES	'
	OPERATING LEASES
	The Company leases certain stores, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, office space and equipment. Renewal options are available on the majority of leases and, under certain conditions, options exist to purchase certain properties. Rental expense for operating leases, recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term in accordance with the Leases Topic of the ASC was $327,592, $310,109 and $292,516 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Certain store leases require the payment of contingent rentals based on sales in excess of specified minimums. Contingent rentals included in rent expense were $44,084, $39,340 and $36,917 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Rental income, as lessor, from real estate leasing activities and sublease rental income for all years presented was not significant. The following schedule summarizes the future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases having initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2013:
	2014	$	277,599
	2015	242,261
	2016	199,568
	2017	152,446
	2018	104,186
	Later years	244,072
	Total minimum lease payments	$	1,220,132

Reportable_Segment_Information

Reportable Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company reports its segment information in the same way that management internally organizes its business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources in accordance with the Segment Reporting Topic of the ASC. The Company has determined that it has four reportable operating segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group, Global Finishes Group and Latin America Coatings Group (individually, a "Reportable Segment" and collectively, the “Reportable Segments”). Factors considered in determining the four Reportable Segments of the Company include the nature of business activities, the management structure directly accountable to the Company’s chief operating decision maker (CODM) for operating and administrative activities, availability of discrete financial information and information presented to the Board of Directors. The Company reports all other business activities and immaterial operating segments that are not reportable in the Administrative segment. See pages 6 through 15 of this report for more information about the Reportable Segments.
	The Company’s CODM has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer because he has final authority over performance assessment and resource allocation decisions. Because of the diverse operations of the Company, the CODM regularly receives discrete financial information about each Reportable Segment as well as a significant amount of additional financial information about certain divisions, business units or subsidiaries of the Company. The CODM uses all such financial information for performance assessment and resource allocation decisions. The CODM evaluates the performance of and allocates resources to the Reportable Segments based on profit or loss before income taxes and cash generated from operations. The accounting policies of the Reportable Segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of this report.
	The Paint Stores Group consisted of 3,908 company-operated specialty paint stores in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Curacao and Aruba at December 31, 2013. Each store in this segment is engaged in the related business activity of selling paint, coatings and related products to end-use customers. The Paint Stores Group markets and sells Sherwin-Williams® branded architectural paint and coatings, protective and marine products, OEM product finishes and related items. These products are produced by manufacturing facilities in the Consumer Group. In addition, each store sells selected purchased associated products. The loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on the business of this segment. During 2013, this segment opened or acquired 388 net new stores, consisting of 392 new stores opened or acquired (301 in the United States, 86 in Canada, 2 in Puerto Rico, 2 in Trinidad and 1 in Jamaica) and 4 stores closed in the United States. In 2012 and 2011, this segment opened 70 and 60 net new stores, respectively. A map on the cover flap of this report shows the number of paint stores and their geographic location. The CODM uses discrete financial information about the Paint Stores Group, supplemented with information by geographic region, product type and customer type, to assess performance of and allocate resources to the Paint Stores Group as a whole. In accordance with ASC 280-10-50-9, the Paint Stores Group as a whole is considered the operating segment, and because it meets the criteria in ASC 280-10-50-10, it is also considered a Reportable Segment.
	The Consumer Group develops, manufactures and distributes a variety of paint, coatings and related products to third-party customers primarily in the United States and Canada and the Paint Stores Group. Approximately 64 percent of the total sales of the Consumer Group in 2013 were intersegment transfers of products primarily sold through the Paint Stores Group. Sales and marketing of certain controlled brand and private labeled products is performed by a direct sales staff. The products distributed through third-party customers are intended for resale to the ultimate end-user of the product. The Consumer Group had sales to certain customers that, individually, may be a significant portion of the sales of the segment. However, the loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on the overall profitability of the segment. This segment incurred most of the Company’s capital expenditures related to ongoing environmental compliance measures. The CODM uses discrete financial information about the Consumer Group, supplemented with information by product types and customer, to assess performance of and allocate resources to the Consumer Group as a whole. In accordance with ASC 280-10-50-9, the Consumer Group as a whole is considered the operating segment, and because it meets the criteria in ASC 280-10-50-10, it is also considered a Reportable Segment.
	The Global Finishes Group develops, licenses, manufactures, distributes and sells a variety of protective and marine products, automotive finishes and refinish products, OEM product finishes and related products in North and South America, Europe and Asia. This segment meets the demands of its customers for a consistent worldwide product development, manufacturing and distribution presence and approach to doing business. This segment licenses certain technology and trade names worldwide. Sherwin-Williams® and other controlled brand products are distributed through the Paint Stores Group and this segment’s 300 company-operated branches and by a direct sales staff and outside sales representatives to retailers, dealers, jobbers, licensees and other third-party distributors. During 2013, this segment opened 2 new branches (1 each in the United States and Canada) and closed 4 (2 each in the United States and Canada) for a net decrease of 2 branches. At December 31, 2013, the Global Finishes Group consisted of operations in the United States, subsidiaries in 34 foreign countries and income from licensing agreements in 16 foreign countries. The CODM uses discrete financial information about the Global Finishes Group reportable segment, supplemented with information about geographic divisions, business units and subsidiaries, to assess performance of and allocate resources to the Global Finishes Group as a whole. In accordance with ASC 280-10-50-9, the Global Finishes Group as a whole is considered the operating segment, and because it meets the criteria in ASC 280-10-50-10, it is also considered a Reportable Segment. A map on the cover flap of this report shows the number of branches and their geographic locations.
	The Latin America Coatings Group develops, licenses, manufactures, distributes and sells a variety of architectural paint and coatings, protective and marine products, OEM product finishes and related products in North and South America. This segment meets the demands of its customers for consistent regional product development, manufacturing and distribution presence and approach to doing business. Sherwin-Williams® and other controlled brand products are distributed through this segment’s 282 company-operated stores and by a direct sales staff and outside sales representatives to retailers, dealers, licensees and other third-party distributors. During 2013, this segment opened 14 new stores (12 in South America and 2 in Mexico) and closed 8 (7 in South America and 1 in Mexico) for a net increase of 6 stores. At December 31, 2013, the Latin America Coatings Group consisted of operations from subsidiaries in 9 foreign countries, 4 foreign joint ventures and income from licensing agreements in 7 foreign countries. The CODM uses discrete financial information about the Latin America Coatings Group, supplemented with information about geographic divisions, business units and subsidiaries, to assess performance of and allocate resources to the Latin America Coatings Group as a whole. In accordance with ASC 280-10-50-9, the Latin America Coatings Group as a whole is considered the operating segment, and because it meets the criteria in ASC 280-10-50-10, it is also considered a Reportable Segment. A map on the cover flap of this report shows the number of stores and their geographic locations.
	The Administrative segment includes the administrative expenses of the Company’s corporate headquarters site. Also included in the Administrative segment was interest expense, interest and investment income, certain expenses related to closed facilities and environmental-related matters, and other expenses which were not directly associated with the Reportable Segments. The Administrative segment did not include any significant foreign operations. Also included in the Administrative segment was a real estate management unit that is responsible for the ownership, management and leasing of non-retail properties held primarily for use by the Company, including the Company’s headquarters site, and disposal of idle facilities. Sales of this segment represented external leasing revenue of excess headquarters space or leasing of facilities no longer used by the Company in its primary businesses. Gains and losses from the sale of property were not a significant operating factor in determining the performance of the Administrative segment.
	Net external sales of all consolidated foreign subsidiaries were $2,129,626, $2,049,814 and $1,982,859 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Segment profit of all consolidated foreign subsidiaries was $106,166, $158,377 and $122,436 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in segment profit in 2013 was primarily due to Brazil tax assessments and unfavorable currency translation rate changes. Domestic operations accounted for the remaining net external sales and segment profits. Long-lived assets consisted of Property, plant and equipment, Goodwill, Intangible assets, Deferred pension assets and Other assets. The aggregate total of long-lived assets for the Company was $3,223,790, $3,085,499 and, $2,967,660 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Long-lived assets of consolidated foreign subsidiaries totaled $627,702, $718,409 and $650,681 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total Assets of the Company were $6,382,507, $6,234,737 and $5,229,252 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total assets of consolidated foreign subsidiaries were $1,625,422, $1,598,996 and $1,443,034, which represented 25.5 percent, 25.6 percent and 27.6 percent of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No single geographic area outside the United States was significant relative to consolidated net sales or operating profits. Export sales and sales to any individual customer were each less than 10 percent of consolidated sales to unaffiliated customers during all years presented.
	In the reportable segment financial information that follows, Segment profit was total net sales and intersegment transfers less operating costs and expenses. Identifiable assets were those directly identified with each reportable segment. The Administrative segment assets consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments, deferred pension assets and headquarters property, plant and equipment. The margin for each reportable segment was based upon total net sales and intersegment transfers. Domestic intersegment transfers were accounted for at the approximate fully absorbed manufactured cost, based on normal capacity volumes, plus customary distribution costs. International intersegment transfers were accounted for at values comparable to normal unaffiliated customer sales.
	(millions of dollars)	2013
		Paint Stores			Consumer				Global			Latin America			Administrative				Consolidated
		Group			Group				Finishes			Coatings							Totals
									Group			Group
	Net external sales	$	6,002		$	1,342			$	2,005		$	832		$	5			$	10,186
	Intersegment transfers				2,409				9			39			(2,457		)
	Total net sales and	$	6,002		$	3,751			$	2,014		$	871		$	(2,452	)		$	10,186
	intersegment transfers
	Segment profit	$	991		$	242		(1)	$	170		$	39						$	1,442
	Interest expense														$	(63	)		(63		)
	Administrative expenses and other														(293		)		(293		)
	Income before income taxes	$	991		$	242			$	170		$	39		$	(356	)		$	1,086
	Reportable segment margins	16.5		%	6.5		%		8.4		%	4.5		%
	Identifiable assets	$	1,668		$	1,762			$	964		$	485		$	1,504			$	6,383
	Capital expenditures	73			40				15			7			32				167
	Depreciation	55			45				29			10			20				159
		2012
		Paint Stores			Consumer				Global Finishes			Latin America			Administrative				Consolidated
		Group			Group				Group			Coatings							Totals
												Group
	Net external sales	$	5,410		$	1,322			$	1,961		$	836		$	5			$	9,534
	Intersegment transfers				2,320				7			47			(2,374		)
	Total net sales and	$	5,410		$	3,642			$	1,968		$	883		$	(2,369	)		$	9,534
	intersegment transfers
	Segment profit	$	862		$	217		(1)	$	147		$	81						$	1,307
	Interest expense														$	(43	)		(43		)
	Administrative expenses and other														(357		)	(2)	(357		)
	Income before income taxes	$	862		$	217			$	147		$	81		$	(400	)		$	907
	Reportable segment margins	15.9		%	6		%		7.5		%	9.2		%
	Identifiable assets	$	1,374		$	1,701			$	987		$	485		$	1,688			$	6,235
	Capital expenditures	67			47				14			9			20				157
	Depreciation	49			43				30			10			20				152
		2011
		Paint Stores			Consumer				Global Finishes			Latin America			Administrative				Consolidated
		Group			Group				Group			Coatings							Totals
												Group
	Net external sales	$	4,780		$	1,274			$	1,878		$	828		$	6			$	8,766
	Intersegment transfers				2,091				9			39			(2,139		)
	Total net sales and	$	4,780		$	3,365			$	1,887		$	867		$	(2,133	)		$	8,766
	intersegment transfers
	Segment profit	$	646		$	174		(1)	$	90		$	75						$	985
	Interest expense														$	(42	)		(42		)
	Administrative expenses and other														(201		)		(201		)
	Income before income taxes	$	646		$	174			$	90		$	75		$	(243	)		$	742
	Reportable segment margins	13.5		%	5.2		%		4.8		%	8.7		%
	Identifiable assets	$	1,309		$	1,682			$	939		$	469		$	830			$	5,229
	Capital expenditures	50			35				14			14			41				154
	Depreciation	48			43				31			11			18				151
	(1)	Segment profit included $30, $27 and $24 of mark-up on intersegment transfers realized primarily as a result of external sales by the Paint Stores Group during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	(2)	Includes $80 pre-tax charge related to DOL Settlement. See Note 9.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation	'
	Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Sherwin-Williams Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, “the Company.”) Inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of estimates	'
	Use of estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those amounts.
Nature of operations	'
	Nature of operations. The Company is engaged in the development, manufacture, distribution and sale of paint, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers primarily in North and South America, with additional operations in the Caribbean region, Europe and Asia.
Cash flows	'
	Cash flows. Management considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Cash and Cash equivalents	'
	Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts reported for Cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value.
Short-term investments	'
	Short-term investments: The carrying amounts reported for Short-term investments approximate fair value.
Investments in securities	'
	Investments in securities: Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at market value. See the recurring fair value measurement table on page 49.
Non-traded investments	'
	Non-traded investments: The Company has invested in the U.S. affordable housing and historic renovation real estate markets. These non-traded investments have been identified as variable interest entities. However, because the Company does not have the power to direct the day-to-day operations of the investments and the risk of loss is limited to the amount of contributed capital, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary. In accordance with the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), the investments are not consolidated. The Company uses the effective yield method to determine the carrying value of the investments. Under the effective yield method, the initial cost of the investments is amortized over the period that the tax credits are recognized.
Short-term borrowings and Long-term debt (including current portion)	'
	Short-term borrowings: The carrying amounts reported for Short-term borrowings approximate fair value.
	Long-term debt (including current portion): The fair values of the Company’s publicly traded debt, shown below, are based on quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s non-traded debt, also shown below, are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
Derivative instruments	'
	Derivative instruments: The Company utilizes derivative instruments as part of its overall financial risk management policy. The Company entered into foreign currency option and forward currency exchange contracts with maturity dates of less than twelve months in 2013, 2012 and 2011, primarily to hedge against value changes in foreign currency. See Note 13.
Fair value measurements	'
	Fair value measurements. The following tables summarize the Company’s assets and liabilities measured on a recurring and non-recurring basis in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC:
	Assets and Liabilities Reported at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
		Fair Value at		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		December 31,		Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
		2013		Identical Assets		(Level 2)		Inputs
				(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Deferred compensation plan asset (a)	$	21,660	$	3,759	$	17,901
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation plan liability (b)	$	28,607	$	28,607
	(a)	The deferred compensation plan asset consists of the investment funds maintained for the future payments under the Company’s executive deferred compensation plan, which is structured as a rabbi trust. The investments are marketable securities accounted for under the Debt and Equity Securities Topic of the ASC. The level 1 investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares. The level 2 investments are valued based on vendor or broker models. The cost basis of the investment funds is $21,224.
	(b)	The deferred compensation plan liability represents the value of the Company’s liability under its deferred compensation plan based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.
	Assets and Liabilities Reported at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis. Except for the acquisition-related fair value measurements described in Note 2 which qualify as level 2 measurements, there were no assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in 2013.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts	'
	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable were recorded at the time of credit sales net of provisions for sales returns and allowances. The Company recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $54,460, $47,667 and $51,747 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to reduce Accounts receivable to their estimated net realizable value. The allowance was based on an analysis of historical bad debts, a review of the aging of Accounts receivable and the current creditworthiness of customers. Account receivable balances are written-off against the allowance if a final determination of uncollectibility is made. All provisions for allowances for doubtful collection of accounts are related to the creditworthiness of accounts and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Reserve for obsolescence	'
	Reserve for obsolescence. The Company recorded a reserve for obsolescence of $97,523, $88,356 and $82,671 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to reduce Inventories to their estimated net realizable value.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill. Goodwill represents the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for by the purchase method. In accordance with the Impairments Topic of the ASC, goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis and in between annual tests if events or circumstances indicate potential impairment. See Note 4.
Intangible assets	'
	Intangible assets. Intangible assets include trademarks, non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights. As required by the Goodwill and Other Intangibles Topic of the ASC, indefinite-lived trademarks are not amortized, but instead are tested annually for impairment, and between annual tests whenever an event occurs or circumstances indicate potential impairment. See Note 4. The cost of finite-lived trademarks, non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit as follows:
		Useful Life
	Finite-lived trademarks	5 years
	Non-compete covenants	3 – 5 years
	Certain intangible property rights	3 – 20 years
Impairment of long-lived assets	'
	Impairment of long-lived assets. In accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the ASC, management evaluates the recoverability and estimated remaining lives of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. See Notes 4 and 5.
Property, plant and equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment is stated on the basis of cost. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization are included in the appropriate Cost of goods sold or Selling, general and administrative expense caption on the Statements of Consolidated Income. Included in Property, plant and equipment are leasehold improvements. The major classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates are:
	Buildings	2.5% – 20.0%
	Machinery and equipment	5.0% – 20.0%
	Furniture and fixtures	10.0% – 33.3%
	Automobiles and trucks	10.0% – 33.3%
Standby letters of credit	'
	Standby letters of credit. The Company occasionally enters into standby letter of credit agreements to guarantee various operating activities. These agreements provide credit availability to the various beneficiaries if certain contractual events occur.
Product warranties	'
	Product warranties. The Company offers product warranties for certain products. The specific terms and conditions of such warranties vary depending on the product or customer contract requirements. Management estimated the costs of unsettled product warranty claims based on historical results and experience and included an amount in Other accruals. Management periodically assesses the adequacy of the accrual for product warranty claims and adjusts the accrual as necessary.
Environmental matters	'
	Environmental matters. Capital expenditures for ongoing environmental compliance measures were recorded in Property, plant and equipment, and related expenses were included in the normal operating expenses of conducting business. The Company is involved with environmental investigation and remediation activities at some of its currently and formerly owned sites and at a number of third-party sites. The Company accrued for environmental-related activities for which commitments or clean-up plans have been developed and when such costs could be reasonably estimated based on industry standards and professional judgment. All accrued amounts were recorded on an undiscounted basis. Environmental-related expenses included direct costs of investigation and remediation and indirect costs such as compensation and benefits for employees directly involved in the investigation and remediation activities and fees paid to outside engineering, consulting and law firms. See Notes 8 and 13.
Employee Stock Purchase and Savings Plan and preferred stock	'
	Employee Stock Purchase and Savings Plan and preferred stock. The Company accounts for the Employee Stock Purchase and Savings Plan (ESOP) in accordance with the Employee Stock Ownership Plans Subtopic of the Compensation – Stock Ownership Topic of the ASC. The Company recognized compensation expense for amounts contributed to the ESOP, and the ESOP used dividends on unallocated preferred shares to service debt. Unallocated preferred shares held by the ESOP were not considered outstanding in calculating earnings per share of the Company. See Note 11.
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	'
	Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Topic of the ASC, which requires the recognition of a plan’s funded status as an asset for overfunded plans and as a liability for unfunded or underfunded plans. See Note 6.
Stock-based compensation	'
	Stock-based compensation. The cost of the Company’s stock-based compensation is recorded in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the ASC. See Note 12.
Foreign currency translation	'
	Foreign currency translation. All consolidated non-highly inflationary foreign operations use the local currency of the country of operation as the functional currency and translated the local currency asset and liability accounts at year-end exchange rates while income and expense accounts were translated at average exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments were included in Cumulative other comprehensive loss, a component of Shareholders’ equity.
Cumulative other comprehensive loss	'
	Cumulative other comprehensive loss. At December 31, 2013, the ending balance of Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation of $250,943, net prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $70,611 and unrealized net gains on marketable equity securities of $510. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the ending balance of Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation of $204,195 and $196,792, respectively, net prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $166,595 and $171,376, respectively, and unrealized gains on marketable equity securities of $401 and $290, respectively.
Revenue recognition	'
	Revenue recognition. All revenues were recognized when products were shipped and title had passed to unaffiliated customers. Collectibility of amounts recorded as revenue was reasonably assured at the time of recognition.
Customer and vendor consideration	'
	Customer and vendor consideration. The Company offered certain customers rebate and sales incentive programs which were classified as reductions in Net sales. Such programs were in the form of volume rebates, rebates that constituted a percentage of sales or rebates for attaining certain sales goals. The Company received consideration from certain suppliers of raw materials in the form of volume rebates or rebates that constituted a percentage of purchases. These rebates were recognized on an accrual basis by the Company as a reduction of the purchase price of the raw materials and a subsequent reduction of Cost of goods sold when the related product was sold.
Costs of goods sold	'
	Costs of goods sold. Included in Costs of goods sold were costs for materials, manufacturing, distribution and related support. Distribution costs included all expenses related to the
	distribution of products including inbound freight charges, purchase and receiving costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs and all costs incurred to ship products. Also included in Costs of goods sold were total technical expenditures, which included research and development costs, quality control, product formulation expenditures and other similar items.
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'
	Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling costs included advertising expenses, marketing costs, employee and store costs and sales commissions. The cost of advertising was expensed as incurred. The Company incurred $262,492, $247,469 and $227,303 in advertising costs during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. General and administrative expenses included human resources, legal, finance and other support and administrative functions.
Earnings per share	'
	Earnings per share. Shares of preferred stock held in an unallocated account of the ESOP (see Note 11) and common stock held in a revocable trust (see Note 10) were not considered outstanding shares for basic or diluted income per common share calculations. All references to “shares” or “per share” information throughout this report relate to common shares and are stated on a diluted per common share basis, unless otherwise indicated. Basic and diluted net income per common share were calculated using the two-class method in accordance with the Earnings Per Common Share Topic of the ASC. Basic net income per common share amounts were computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income per common share amounts were computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all dilutive securities potentially outstanding during the year. See Note 15.
Impact of recently issued accounting policies	'
	Impact of recently issued accounting standards. In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-2, which amends the Comprehensive Income Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The updated standard requires the presentation of information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2013-2 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company has adopted the standard on a prospective basis as required. The updated standard affects the Company's disclosures but has no impact on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Inventories	'
	Inventories were stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined principally on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The following presents the effect on inventories, net income and net income per common share had the Company used the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory valuation method adjusted for income taxes at the statutory rate and assuming no other adjustments. Management believes that the use of LIFO results in a better matching of costs and revenues.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Carrying amount and fair value of debt	'
	The fair values of the Company’s publicly traded debt, shown below, are based on quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s non-traded debt, also shown below, are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The Company's publicly traded debt and non-traded debt are classified as level 1 and level 2, respectively, in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 7.
		December 31,
		2013						2012					2011
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value		Amount		Value
	Publicly traded debt	$	1,620,646		$	1,614,739		$	1,630,056		$	1,706,487	$	632,423	$	703,238
	Non-traded debt	4,675			4,430			5,798			5,600		14,631		14,070
Assets and Liabilities Reported at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	Assets and Liabilities Reported at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
		Fair Value at			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 31,			Active Markets for			Observable Inputs			Unobservable
		2013			Identical Assets			(Level 2)			Inputs
					(Level 1)						(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Deferred compensation plan asset (a)	$	21,660		$	3,759		$	17,901
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation plan liability (b)	$	28,607		$	28,607
	(a)	The deferred compensation plan asset consists of the investment funds maintained for the future payments under the Company’s executive deferred compensation plan, which is structured as a rabbi trust. The investments are marketable securities accounted for under the Debt and Equity Securities Topic of the ASC. The level 1 investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares. The level 2 investments are valued based on vendor or broker models. The cost basis of the investment funds is $21,224.
	(b)	The deferred compensation plan liability represents the value of the Company’s liability under its deferred compensation plan based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.
Assets and Liabilities Reported at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis	'
	Assets and Liabilities Reported at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis. Except for the acquisition-related fair value measurements described in Note 2 which qualify as level 2 measurements, there were no assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in 2013.
Amortized cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights	'
	The cost of finite-lived trademarks, non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit as follows:
		Useful Life
	Finite-lived trademarks	5 years
	Non-compete covenants	3 – 5 years
	Certain intangible property rights	3 – 20 years
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
	The major classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates are:
	Buildings	2.5% – 20.0%
	Machinery and equipment	5.0% – 20.0%
	Furniture and fixtures	10.0% – 33.3%
	Automobiles and trucks	10.0% – 33.3%
Company's accrual for product warranty claims	'
	Changes in the Company’s accrual for product warranty claims during 2013, 2012 and 2011, including customer satisfaction settlements during the year, were as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at January 1	$	22,710		$	22,071		$	23,103
	Charges to expense	33,265			28,590			29,957
	Settlements	(29,220		)	(27,951		)	(30,989		)
	Balance at December 31	$	26,755		$	22,710		$	22,071

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Summary of pro-forma consolidated financial information	'
	The following unaudited pro-forma summary presents consolidated financial information as if the U.S./Canada business of Comex, Pulanna and Geocel had been acquired at the beginning of 2012. The unaudited pro-forma consolidated financial information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred had the acquisitions taken place on January 1, 2012 or the future results of operations of the combined companies under ownership and operation of the Company.
		2013		2012
	Net sales	$	10,540,181	$	10,101,502
	Net income	725,774		594,632
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	7.13		5.8
	Diluted	6.98		5.68

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Percentage of total	75		%	75		%	77		%
	inventories on LIFO
	Excess of FIFO over	$	337,214		$	357,303		$	378,986
	LIFO
	Increase (decrease) in net	12,299			13,365			(62,636		)
	income due to LIFO
	Increase (decrease) in net	0.12			0.13			(.59		)
	income per common
	share due to LIFO

Goodwill_Intangible_and_LongLi1

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment	'
	A summary of changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:
	Goodwill	Paint Stores			Consumer			Global			Latin America			Consolidated
		Group			Group			Finishes			Coatings Group			Totals
								Group
	Balance at January 1, 2011 (a)	$	286,744		$	689,388		$	115,719		$	10,607		$	1,102,458
	Acquisitions							5,039						5,039
	Currency and other adjustments	254			(109		)	(408		)	774			511
	Balance at December 31, 2011 (a)	286,998			689,279			120,350			11,381			1,108,008
	Acquisitions				17,357			24,707						42,064
	Currency and other adjustments	(214		)	(344		)	7,230			(739		)	5,933
	Balance at December 31, 2012 (a)	286,784			706,292			152,287			10,642			1,156,005
	Acquisitions	1,885						17,963						19,848
	Currency and other adjustments	(1,369		)	(2,941		)	8,048			(904		)	2,834
	Balance at December 31, 2013 (a)	$	287,300		$	703,351		$	178,298		$	9,738		$	1,178,687
	(a)	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $8,904 ($8,113 in the Consumer Group and $791 in the Global Finishes Group).
Carrying value of intangible assets	'
	A summary of the Company’s carrying value of intangible assets is as follows:
		Finite-lived intangible assets									Trademarks			Total
											with indefinite			intangible
		Software			All other			Subtotal			lives			assets
	31-Dec-13
	Weighted-average amortization period	8 years			10 years			9 years
	Gross	$	114,404		$	327,962		$	442,366
	Accumulated amortization	(77,018		)	(202,084		)	(279,102		)
	Net value	$	37,386		$	125,878		$	163,264		$	150,035		$	313,299
	31-Dec-12
	Weighted-average amortization period	8 years			12 years			11 years
	Gross	$	107,779		$	337,089		$	444,868
	Accumulated amortization	(66,106		)	(193,959		)	(260,065		)
	Net value	$	41,673		$	143,130		$	184,803		$	162,750		$	347,553
	31-Dec-11
	Weighted-average amortization period	7 years			13 years			11 years
	Gross	$	109,401		$	274,086		$	383,487
	Accumulated amortization	(60,030		)	(177,706		)	(237,736		)
	Net value	$	49,371		$	96,380		$	145,751		$	160,122		$	305,873

Exit_or_Disposal_Activities_Ta

Exit or Disposal Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'
	The tables on the following pages summarize the activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs:
	Exit Plan	Balance at		Provisions in		Actual			Adjustments to			Balance at
		December 31,		Cost of goods		expenditures			prior provisions			December 31,
		2012		sold or SG&A		charged to			in Other general			2013
						accrual			expense - net
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2013:
	Severance and related costs			$	1,004	$	(27	)				$	977
	Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2013:
	Severance and related costs			598								598
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown in 2013:
	Severance and related costs			278		(25		)				253
	Latin America Coatings Group facilities
	shutdown in 2013:
	Severance and related costs			123								123
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2012:
	Other qualified exit costs	$	313			(68		)	$	(1	)	244
	Global Finishes Group facilities shutdown in 2012:
	Severance and related costs	2,236		2,533		(2,592		)				2,177
	Other qualified exit costs	3,430		83		(3,530		)	100			83
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown in 2011:
	Other qualified exit costs	290				(222		)				68
	Other qualified exit costs for facilities	2,288				(955		)	(36		)	1,297
	shutdown prior to 2011
	Totals	$	8,557	$	4,619	$	(7,419	)	$	63		$	5,820
	Exit Plan	Balance at		Provisions in		Actual			Adjustments to			Balance at
		December 31,		Cost of goods		expenditures			prior provisions			December 31,
		2011		sold or SG&A		charged to			in Other general			2012
						accrual			expense - net
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown
	in 2012:
	Other qualified exit costs			$	313							$	313
	Global Finishes Group facility shutdown
	in 2012:
	Severance and related costs			3,933		$	(1,697	)				2,236
	Other qualified exit costs			3,430								3,430
	Consumer Group manufacturing facilities
	shutdown in 2011:
	Severance and related costs	$	197			(133		)	$	(64	)
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown
	in 2011:
	Other qualified exit costs	156				(144		)	(12		)
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown
	in 2011:
	Severance and related costs	129				(134		)	5
	Other qualified exit costs	470				(180		)				290
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown
	in 2010:
	Other qualified exit costs	955				(133		)				822
	Other qualified exit costs for facilities	8,493				(2,156		)	(4,871		)	1,466
	shutdown prior to 2010
	Totals	$	10,400	$	7,676	$	(4,577	)	$	(4,942	)	$	8,557
	Exit Plan	Balance at		Provisions in		Actual			Adjustments to			Balance at
		January 1,		Cost of goods		expenditures			prior provisions			December 31,
		2011		sold or SG&A		charged to			in Other general			2011
						accrual			expense - net
	Consumer Group manufacturing facilities
	shutdown in 2011:
	Severance and related costs			$	339	$	(142	)				$	197
	Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2011:
	Other qualified exit costs			182		(26		)				156
	Global Finishes Group branches shutdown
	in 2011:
	Severance and related costs			316		(187		)				129
Other qualified exit costs			597		(127		)				470
Global Finishes Group branches shutdown
in 2010:
Other qualified exit costs	$	1,114			(159		)				955
Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2010:
Other qualified exit costs	4							$	(4	)
Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2009:
Other qualified exit costs	2,022				(805		)	3			1,220
Global Finishes Group manufacturing facility
and branches shutdown in 2009:
Other qualified exit costs	1,820				(918		)	262			1,164
Consumer Group manufacturing facilities
shutdown in 2009:
Other qualified exit costs	721				(245		)	(74		)	402
Other qualified exit costs for facilities	10,366				(3,572		)	(1,087		)	5,707
shutdown prior to 2009
Totals	$	16,047	$	1,434	$	(6,181	)	$	(900	)	$	10,400

Pension_Health_Care_and_Postre1

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Health care, pension and other benefits	'
	The following table summarizes the components of the net pension costs and Cumulative other comprehensive loss related to the defined benefit pension plans:
		Domestic									Foreign
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans									Defined Benefit Pension Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Net pension costs:
	Service costs	$	23,176		$	19,061		$	17,933		$	5,039		$	3,654		$	3,055
	Interest costs	18,444			17,442			18,602			7,940			6,927			5,954
	Expected returns on plan assets	(42,937		)	(44,841		)	(46,441		)	(7,487		)	(6,799		)	(5,535		)
	Amortization of prior service costs	1,823			1,591			1,635
	Amortization of actuarial losses	13,147			22,205			16,865			1,716			1,022			493
	Ongoing pension costs	13,653			15,458			8,594			7,208			4,804			3,967
	Settlement costs (credits)										(220		)	47			(235		)
	Net pension costs	13,653			15,458			8,594			6,988			4,851			3,732
	Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit
	obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):
	Net actuarial (gains) losses arising during the year	(90,669		)	(26,459		)	48,745			(5,487		)	14,131			15,944
	Prior service costs during the year	1,756			2,495			1,195
	Amortization of prior service costs	(1,823		)	(1,591		)	(1,635		)
	Amortization of actuarial losses	(13,147		)	(22,205		)	(16,865		)	(1,716		)	(1,022		)	(493		)
	Exchange rate gain (loss) recognized during year										819			1,464			(387		)
	Total recognized in Cumulative other	(103,883		)	(47,760		)	31,440			(6,384		)	14,573			15,064
	comprehensive loss
	Total recognized in net pension costs	$	(90,230	)	$	(32,302	)	$	40,034		$	604		$	19,424		$	18,796
	and Cumulative other comprehensive loss
Fair value of the defined benefit pension plan assets	'
	The following tables summarize the fair value of the defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Fair Value at			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 31,			Active Markets for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
		2013			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Investments at fair value:
	Short-term investments (a)	$	15,055		$	1,941		$	13,114
	Equity investments (b)	736,873			419,779			317,094
	Fixed income investments (c)	255,927			125,377			130,550
	Other assets (d)	47,494						29,553			$	17,941
		$	1,055,349		$	547,097		$	490,311		$	17,941
		Fair Value at			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 31,			Active Markets for Identical			Observable			Unobservable Inputs
		2012			Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Investments at fair value:
	Short-term investments (a)	$	68,795					$	68,795
	Equity investments (b)	490,993			$	243,553		247,440
	Fixed income investments (c)	239,558			131,276			108,282
	Other assets (d)	37,230						18,380			$	18,850
		$	836,576		$	374,829		$	442,897		$	18,850
		Fair Value at			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 31,			Active Markets for Identical			Observable			Unobservable Inputs
		2011			Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Investments at fair value:
	Short-term investments (a)	$	9,408					$	9,408
	Equity investments (b)	482,694			$	268,307		214,387
	Fixed income investments (c)	202,939			103,485			99,454
	Other assets (d)	37,482						16,582			$	20,900
		$	732,523		$	371,792		$	339,831		$	20,900
	(a)	This category includes a full range of high quality, short-term money market securities.
	(b)	This category includes actively managed equity assets that track primarily to the S&P 500.
	(c)	This category includes government and corporate bonds that track primarily to the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index.
	(d)	This category consists of venture capital funds.
Changes in the fair value of the defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3	'
	The following tables summarize the changes in the fair value of the defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Balance at			Dispositions			Realized and Unrealized Gains			Balance at
		December 31,									December 31,
		2012									2013
	Other assets	$	18,850		$	(4,068	)	$	3,159		$	17,941
		Balance at			Dispositions			Realized and Unrealized Gains			Balance at
		December 31,									December 31,
		2011									2012
	Other assets	$	20,900		$	(3,827	)	$	1,777		$	18,850
		Balance at			Dispositions			Realized and Unrealized Gains			Balance at
		January 1,									December 31,
		2011									2011
	Fixed income investments	$	5,535		$	(5,717	)	$	182
	Other assets	19,152			(1,389		)	3,137			$	20,900
		$	24,687		$	(7,106	)	$	3,319		$	20,900
Obligations, plan assets and assumption used for defined benefit pension plan	'
	The following table summarizes the obligations, plan assets and assumptions used for the defined benefit pension plans, which are all measured as of December 31:
		Domestic									Foreign
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans									Defined Benefit Pension Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Accumulated benefit obligations	$	577,736		$	460,591		$	415,163		$	187,670		$	142,769		$	121,137
	at end of year
	Projected benefit obligations:
	Balances at beginning of year	$	466,827		$	410,029		$	390,257		$	168,758		$	141,465		$	85,936
	Service costs	23,176			19,061			17,933			5,039			3,654			3,055
	Interest costs	18,444			17,442			18,602			7,940			6,927			5,954
	Actuarial (gains) losses	(5,488		)	48,346			8,428			5,939			17,532			11,395
	Acquisitions of businesses and other	113,174			2,496			1,194			39,622			(975		)	42,131
	Effect of foreign exchange										1,549			6,633			(3,760		)
	Benefits paid	(34,097		)	(30,547		)	(26,385		)	(5,851		)	(6,478		)	(3,246		)
	Balances at end of year	582,036			466,827			410,029			222,996			168,758			141,465
	Plan assets:
	Balances at beginning of year	703,563			614,463			634,725			133,013			118,060			65,748
	Actual returns on plan assets	128,117			119,647			6,123			20,316			10,201			987
	Acquisitions of businesses and other	72,803									36,106			6,205			57,761
	Effect of foreign exchange										1,379			5,025			(3,190		)
	Benefits paid	(34,097		)	(30,547		)	(26,385		)	(5,851		)	(6,478		)	(3,246		)
	Balances at end of year	870,386			703,563			614,463			184,963			133,013			118,060
	Excess (deficient) plan assets over	$	288,350		$	236,736		$	204,434		$	(38,033	)	$	(35,745	)	$	(23,405	)
	projected benefit obligations
	Assets and liabilities recognized in the
	Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Deferred pension assets	$	288,350		$	245,588		$	218,676		$	14,096		$	4,323		$	9,674
	Other accruals										(1,126		)	(869		)	(829		)
	Other long-term liabilities				(8,852		)	(14,242		)	(51,003		)	(39,199		)	(32,250		)
		$	288,350		$	236,736		$	204,434		$	(38,033	)	$	(35,745	)	$	(23,405	)
	Amounts recognized in Cumulative other
	comprehensive loss:
	Net actuarial losses	$	(59,272	)	$	(163,088	)	$	(211,752	)	$	(35,183	)	$	(41,567	)	$	(26,994	)
	Prior service costs	(6,043		)	(6,110		)	(5,206		)
		$	(65,315	)	$	(169,198	)	$	(216,958	)	$	(35,183	)	$	(41,567	)	$	(26,994	)
	Weighted-average assumptions used to
	determine projected benefit obligations:
	Discount rate	4.65		%	3.73		%	4.4		%	4.89		%	4.58		%	4.94		%
	Rate of compensation increase	4		%	4		%	4		%	4.31		%	4.08		%	4.05		%
	Weighted-average assumptions used to
	determine net pension costs:
	Discount rate	3.73		%	4.4		%	4.97		%	4.58		%	4.94		%	5.48		%
	Expected long-term rate of	6		%	7.5		%	7.5		%	5.67		%	6.04		%	6.12		%
	return on assets
	Rate of compensation increase	4		%	4		%	4		%	4.08		%	4.04		%	4.06		%
Obligation and the assumptions used for postretirement benefits other than pensions	'
	The following table summarizes the obligation and the assumptions used for postretirement benefits other than pensions:
		Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions
		2013			2012			2011
	Benefit obligation:
	Balance at beginning of year - unfunded	$	338,134		$	316,795		$	315,572
	Service cost	3,061			2,943			3,495
	Interest cost	12,183			13,520			15,580
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(53,096		)	18,961			(3,965		)
	Benefits paid	(13,631		)	(14,085		)	(13,887		)
	Balance at end of year - unfunded	$	286,651		$	338,134		$	316,795
	Liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Postretirement benefits other than pensions	$	(268,874	)	$	(320,223	)	$	(297,528	)
	Other accruals	(17,777		)	(17,911		)	(19,267		)
		$	(286,651	)	$	(338,134	)	$	(316,795	)
	Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss:
	Net actuarial losses	$	(8,287	)	$	(62,814	)	$	(45,567	)
	Prior service costs	2,503			328			983
		$	(5,784	)	$	(62,486	)	$	(44,584	)
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:
	Discount rate	4.6		%	3.7		%	4.4		%
	Health care cost trend rate - pre-65	7.5		%	8		%	8		%
	Health care cost trend rate - post-65	6.5		%	8		%	8		%
	Prescription drug cost increases	7		%	8		%	8		%
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	3.7		%	4.4		%	5.1		%
	Health care cost trend rate - pre-65	8		%	8		%	7.5		%
	Health care cost trend rate - post-65	8		%	8		%	7.5		%
	Prescription drug cost increases	8		%	8		%	8		%
Components of the net periodic benefit cost and cumulative other comprehensive loss related to postretirement benefits other than pensions	'
	The following table summarizes the components of the net periodic benefit cost and cumulative other comprehensive loss related to postretirement benefits other than pensions:
		Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions
		2013			2012			2011
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	3,061		$	2,943		$	3,495
	Interest cost	12,183			13,520			15,580
	Amortization of actuarial losses	3,934			1,715			2,505
	Amortization of prior service credit	(328		)	(656		)	(657		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	18,850			17,522			20,923
	Other changes in projected benefit obligation recognized in
	Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	(53,096		)	18,961			(3,965		)
	Amortization of actuarial losses	(3,934		)	(1,715		)	(2,505		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	328			656			657
	Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	(56,702		)	17,902			(5,813		)
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and	$	(37,852	)	$	35,424		$	15,110
	Cumulative other comprehensive loss
Significant effect on amounts reported for service and interest rate component and postretirement health care benefit obligation	'
	A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care and prescription drug cost trend rates would have had the following effects at December 31, 2013:
		One-Percentage-Point
		Increase			(Decrease)
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	148		$	(158	)
	Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation	$	2,953		$	(3,120	)
Retiree health care benefit cash payments	'
	The Company expects to make retiree health care benefit cash payments and to receive Medicare Part D prescription cash reimbursements as follows:
		Retiree Health			Medicare Prescription			Expected Cash
		Care Benefits			Reimbursement			Payments - Net
	2014	$	19,119		$	(1,342	)	$	17,777
	2015	20,395			(1,511		)	18,884
	2016	21,396			(1,680		)	19,716
	2017	22,260						22,260
	2018	22,606						22,606
	2019 through 2023	109,636						109,636
	Total expected benefit cash payments	$	215,412		$	(4,533	)	$	210,879

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term debt
		Due Date	2013		2012		2011
	1.35% Senior Notes	2017	$	699,277	$	699,091
	4.00% Senior Notes	2042	298,545		298,493
	7.375% Debentures	2027	119,366		129,060		$	129,056
	7.45% Debentures	2097	3,500		3,500		3,500
	2.00% to 2.02% Promissory Notes	Through 2023	1,685		2,109		6,808
	3.125% Senior Notes	2014			499,912		499,867
			$	1,122,373	$	1,632,165	$	639,231

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Capital Stock	'
		Common Shares		Common Shares
		in Treasury		Outstanding
	Balance at January 1, 2011	124,324,862		107,020,728
	Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised	2,274		(2,274	)
	Shares issued for exercise of option rights			1,480,058
	Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock			55,722
	Treasury stock purchased	4,700,000		(4,700,000	)
	Treasury stock retired	(125,425,977	)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	3,601,159		103,854,234
	Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised	7,766		(7,766	)
	Shares issued for exercise of option rights			4,140,822
	Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock	143,979		(143,979	)
	Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock			26,756
	Treasury stock purchased	4,600,000		(4,600,000	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	8,352,904		103,270,067
	Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised	2,697		(2,697	)
	Shares issued for exercise of option rights			1,127,942
	Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock	116,897		(116,897	)
	Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock			150,965
	Treasury stock purchased	4,300,000		(4,300,000	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	12,772,498		100,129,380

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Option rights	'
	The fair value of the Company’s option rights was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for all options granted:
		2013		2012		2011
	Risk-free interest rate	1.37%		0.78%		1.13%
	Expected life of option rights	5.10 years		5.11 years		5.27 years
	Expected dividend yield	1.32%		1.43%		1.77%
	of stock
	Expected volatility of stock	0.281		0.274		0.303
Company's non-qualified and incentive stock option right activity for employees and nonemployee directors	'
	A summary of the Company’s non-qualified and incentive stock option right activity for employees and nonemployee directors, and related information for the years ended December 31 is shown in the following table:
		2013										2012						2011
		Optioned			Weighted-				Aggregate			Optioned		Weighted-		Aggregate		Optioned		Weighted-		Aggregate
		Shares			Average				Intrinsic			Shares		Average		Intrinsic		Shares		Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise				Value					Exercise		Value				Exercise		Value
					Price									Price						Price
					Per Share									Per Share						Per Share
	Outstanding beginning	6,748,126			$	79.39						9,857,695		$	60.31			10,009,385		$	55.82
	of year
	Granted	898,728			179.67							1,089,240		152.93				1,407,259		78.72
	Exercised	(1,127,942	)		61.46							(4,140,822	)	53.4				(1,480,058	)	47.15
	Forfeited	(33,278	)		115.24							(57,730	)	78.01				(76,354	)	67.02
	Expired	(1,042	)		79.73							(257	)	72.65				(2,537	)	53.65
	Outstanding end of year	6,484,592			$	96.25			$	563,554		6,748,126		$	79.39	$	494,699	9,857,695		$	60.31	$	287,526
	Exercisable at end of year	4,424,674			$	71.86			$	492,689		4,245,891		$	61.43	$	386,484	6,908,116		$	54.24	$	243,440
Summary of grants of restricted stock to certain officers, key employees and non-employee directors	'
	A summary of grants of restricted stock to certain officers, key employees and nonemployee directors during each year is as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Restricted stock granted	172,406				301,856				300,677
	Weighted-average per share	$	163.63			$	99.47			$	84.86
	fair value of restricted stock
	granted during the year
Summary of the Company's restricted stock activity	'
	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31 is shown in the following table:
		2013			2012			2011
	Outstanding at beginning	919,748			1,304,891			1,266,201
	of year
	Granted	172,406			301,856			300,677
	Vested	(334,750	)		(412,859	)		(16,072	)
	Forfeited	(8,022	)		(274,140	)		(245,915	)
	Outstanding at end of year	749,382			919,748			1,304,891

Other_Tables

Other (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other general expense - net	'
	Included in Other general expense - net were the following:
		2013			2012			2011
	Provisions for environmental	$	(2,751	)	$	6,736		$	9,100
	matters - net
	Loss (gain) on disposition	5,207			3,454			(5,469		)
	of assets
	Net expense (income) of exit	63			(4,942		)	(900		)
	or disposal activities
	Total	$	2,519		$	5,248		$	2,731
Other expense (income) - net	'
	. Included in Other expense (income) - net were the following:
		2013			2012			2011
	Dividend and royalty income	$	(5,904	)	$	(4,666	)	$	(4,963	)
	Net expense from	9,829			9,220			8,023
	financing activities
	Foreign currency transaction	7,669			(3,071		)	4,748
	related losses (gains)
	Other income	(22,684		)	(21,074		)	(22,167		)
	Other expense	12,026			9,651			9,550
	Total	$	936		$	(9,940	)	$	(4,809	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Deferred tax assets:
	Exit costs, environ-mental and other	$	45,322			$	45,403			$	53,928
	similar items
	Deferred employee	32,600				93,039				74,577
	benefit items
	Other items (each	53,727				73,388				83,192
	less than 5 percent
	of total assets)
	Total deferred	$	131,649			$	211,830			$	211,697
	tax assets
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and	$	214,696			$	202,891			$	192,035
	amortization
Components of the provisions for income taxes	'
	Significant components of the provisions for income taxes were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	229,997			$	207,791			$	204,284
	Foreign	42,543				51,264				50,272
	State and local	33,082				27,642				28,219
	Total current	305,622				286,697				282,775
	Deferred:
	Federal	30,384				8,692				20,713
	Foreign	(9,041		)		(16,964		)		(3,922		)
	State and local	6,432				(2,150		)		122
	Total deferred	27,775				(10,422		)		16,913
	Total provisions for	$	333,397			$	276,275			$	299,688
	income taxes
Components of income before income taxes and minority interest used for income tax purpose	'
	Significant components of income before income taxes as used for income tax purposes, were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Domestic	$	969,790			$	712,873			$	560,395
	Foreign	116,168				194,436				181,153
		$	1,085,958			$	907,309			$	741,548
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate	'
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory federal	35	%		35	%		35	%
	income tax rate
	Effect of:
	State and local	2.4			1.8			2.1
	income taxes
	Investment vehicles	(2.1	)		(2.1	)		(1.9	)
	ESOP IRS audit							10.1
	settlement
	Domestic production	(2.2	)		(1.9	)		(2.4	)
	activities
	Other - net	(2.4	)		(2.4	)		(2.5	)
	Effective tax rate	30.7	%		30.4	%		40.4	%
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	Balance at beginning	$	28,119			$	29,666			$	31,268
	of year
	Additions based on	3,480				3,760				2,807
	tax positions related
	to the current year
	Additions for tax	5,059				7,392				1,354
	positions of prior
	years
	Reductions for tax	(3,378		)		(6,583		)		(3,339		)
	positions of prior
	years
	Settlements	(103		)		(1,139		)		(1,089		)
	Lapses of Statutes	(2,180		)		(4,977		)		(1,335		)
	of Limitations
	Balance at end of year	$	30,997			$	28,119			$	29,666

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of net income per common share	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Basic
	Average common shares outstanding	100,897,512			101,714,901			103,471,323
	Net income	$	752,561		$	631,034		$	441,860
	Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares	(4,596		)	(5,114		)	(4,825		)
	Net income allocated to common shares	$	747,965		$	625,920		$	437,035
	Net income per common share	$	7.41		$	6.15		$	4.22
	Diluted
	Average common shares outstanding	100,897,512			101,714,901			103,471,323
	Stock options and other contingently issuable shares (a)	2,151,359			2,215,528			2,200,650
	Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution	103,048,871			103,930,429			105,671,973
	Net income	$	752,561		$	631,034		$	441,860
	Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares	(4,509		)	(5,008		)	(4,756		)
	assuming dilution
	Net income allocated to common shares assuming dilution	$	748,052		$	626,026		$	437,104
	Net income per common share	$	7.26		$	6.02		$	4.14
	(a)	Stock options and other contingently issuable shares excludes 842,354, 1,047,734 and 101,260 shares at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Summary_of_Quarterly_Results_o1

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Summary of quarterly results of operations	'
		2013
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter		Full Year
	Net sales	$	2,167,168	$	2,713,889	$	2,847,417	$	2,457,058	$	10,185,532
	Gross profit	962,851		1,233,579		1,295,958		1,124,178		4,616,566
	Net income	116,185		257,287		262,966		116,123		752,561
	Net income per common share - basic	1.13		2.51		2.61		1.16		7.41
	Net income per common share - diluted	1.11		2.46		2.55		1.14		7.26
		2012
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter		Full Year
	Net sales	$	2,136,344	$	2,573,022	$	2,603,226	$	2,221,870	$	9,534,462
	Gross profit	909,839		1,150,597		1,150,282		995,508		4,206,226
	Net income	100,216		227,813		234,953		68,052		631,034
	Net income per common share - basic	0.97		2.23		2.29		0.66		6.15
	Net income per common share - diluted	0.95		2.17		2.24		0.65		6.02

Operating_Leases_Table

Operating Leases (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases	'
	The following schedule summarizes the future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases having initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2013:
	2014	$	277,599
	2015	242,261
	2016	199,568
	2017	152,446
	2018	104,186
	Later years	244,072
	Total minimum lease payments	$	1,220,132

Reportable_Segment_Information1

Reportable Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable segment information	'
	(millions of dollars)	2013
		Paint Stores			Consumer				Global			Latin America			Administrative				Consolidated
		Group			Group				Finishes			Coatings							Totals
									Group			Group
	Net external sales	$	6,002		$	1,342			$	2,005		$	832		$	5			$	10,186
	Intersegment transfers				2,409				9			39			(2,457		)
	Total net sales and	$	6,002		$	3,751			$	2,014		$	871		$	(2,452	)		$	10,186
	intersegment transfers
	Segment profit	$	991		$	242		(1)	$	170		$	39						$	1,442
	Interest expense														$	(63	)		(63		)
	Administrative expenses and other														(293		)		(293		)
	Income before income taxes	$	991		$	242			$	170		$	39		$	(356	)		$	1,086
	Reportable segment margins	16.5		%	6.5		%		8.4		%	4.5		%
	Identifiable assets	$	1,668		$	1,762			$	964		$	485		$	1,504			$	6,383
	Capital expenditures	73			40				15			7			32				167
	Depreciation	55			45				29			10			20				159
		2012
		Paint Stores			Consumer				Global Finishes			Latin America			Administrative				Consolidated
		Group			Group				Group			Coatings							Totals
												Group
	Net external sales	$	5,410		$	1,322			$	1,961		$	836		$	5			$	9,534
	Intersegment transfers				2,320				7			47			(2,374		)
	Total net sales and	$	5,410		$	3,642			$	1,968		$	883		$	(2,369	)		$	9,534
	intersegment transfers
	Segment profit	$	862		$	217		(1)	$	147		$	81						$	1,307
	Interest expense														$	(43	)		(43		)
	Administrative expenses and other														(357		)	(2)	(357		)
	Income before income taxes	$	862		$	217			$	147		$	81		$	(400	)		$	907
	Reportable segment margins	15.9		%	6		%		7.5		%	9.2		%
	Identifiable assets	$	1,374		$	1,701			$	987		$	485		$	1,688			$	6,235
	Capital expenditures	67			47				14			9			20				157
	Depreciation	49			43				30			10			20				152
		2011
		Paint Stores			Consumer				Global Finishes			Latin America			Administrative				Consolidated
		Group			Group				Group			Coatings							Totals
												Group
	Net external sales	$	4,780		$	1,274			$	1,878		$	828		$	6			$	8,766
	Intersegment transfers				2,091				9			39			(2,139		)
	Total net sales and	$	4,780		$	3,365			$	1,887		$	867		$	(2,133	)		$	8,766
	intersegment transfers
	Segment profit	$	646		$	174		(1)	$	90		$	75						$	985
	Interest expense														$	(42	)		(42		)
	Administrative expenses and other														(201		)		(201		)
	Income before income taxes	$	646		$	174			$	90		$	75		$	(243	)		$	742
	Reportable segment margins	13.5		%	5.2		%		4.8		%	8.7		%
	Identifiable assets	$	1,309		$	1,682			$	939		$	469		$	830			$	5,229
	Capital expenditures	50			35				14			14			41				154
	Depreciation	48			43				31			11			18				151
	(1)	Segment profit included $30, $27 and $24 of mark-up on intersegment transfers realized primarily as a result of external sales by the Paint Stores Group during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	(2)	Includes $80 pre-tax charge related to DOL Settlement. See Note 9.

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Non-Traded Investments (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Non Traded Investments (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Carrying amount of the investments, included in other assets	$210,779	$223,701	$232,366
Liability for estimated future capital contributions to the investments	$198,761	$218,688	$235,355

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Publicly Traded Debt [Member]	'	'	'
Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	$1,620,646	$1,630,056	$632,423
Fair Value	1,614,739	1,706,487	703,238
Non-Traded Debt [Member]	'	'	'
Financial Instruments	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	4,675	5,798	14,631
Fair Value	$4,430	$5,600	$14,070

Fair_Value_Measurements_on_Rec

- Fair Value Measurements on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'
Assets:	'
Deferred compensation plan asset	$21,660	[1]
Liabilities:	'
Deferred compensation plan liability	28,607	[2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'
Assets:	'
Deferred compensation plan asset	3,759	[1]
Liabilities:	'
Deferred compensation plan liability	28,607	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'
Assets:	'
Deferred compensation plan asset	17,901	[1]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Cost basis of the investment funds	$21,224
[1]	The deferred compensation plan asset consists of the investment funds maintained for the future payments under the Company’s executive deferred compensation plan, which is structured as a rabbi trust. The investments are marketable securities accounted for under the Debt and Equity Securities Topic of the ASC. The level 1 investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares. The level 2 investments are valued based on vendor or broker models. The cost basis of the investment funds is $21,224.
[2]	The deferred compensation plan liability represents the value of the Company’s liability under its deferred compensation plan based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights	'	'	'
Useful life	'9 years	'11 years	'11 years
Finite-lived Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Non-Compete Covenants [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights	'	'	'
Useful life	'3 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Certain Intangible Property Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights	'	'	'
Useful life	'3 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Non-Compete Covenants [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights	'	'	'
Useful life	'5 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Certain Intangible Property Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights	'	'	'
Useful life	'20 years	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
Annual depreciation rate on assets	2.50%
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
Annual depreciation rate on assets	20.00%
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
Annual depreciation rate on assets	5.00%
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
Annual depreciation rate on assets	20.00%
Furniture and fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
Annual depreciation rate on assets	10.00%
Furniture and fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
Annual depreciation rate on assets	33.30%
Automobiles and trucks [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
Annual depreciation rate on assets	10.00%
Automobiles and trucks [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates	'
Annual depreciation rate on assets	33.30%

Significant_Accounting_Policie7

Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies - Warranties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Company's accrual for product warranty claims	'	'	'
Balance at January 1	$22,710	$22,071	$23,103
Charges to expense	33,265	28,590	29,957
Settlements	-29,220	-27,951	-30,989
Balance at December 31	$26,755	$22,710	$22,071

Significant_Accounting_Policie8

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Contract	Contract	Contract
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of derivative contracts outstanding	0	0	0
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$54,460	$47,667	$51,747
Inventory valuation reserves	97,523	88,356	82,671
Accumulated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets	279,102	260,065	237,736
Amounts outstanding under standby letter of credit agreements	25,896	22,845	18,819
Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation	250,943	204,195	196,792
Prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans	70,611	166,595	171,376
Unrealized net gains on marketable equity securities and derivative instruments used in cash flow hedges	-510	-401	-290
Research and development costs included in technical expenditures	47,042	44,648	41,719
Advertising cost	$262,492	$247,469	$227,303

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 09, 2012	Sep. 16, 2013	Sep. 16, 2013	Dec. 18, 2012
				Acquisition of Comex [Member]	Acquisition of Comex [Member]	Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]	Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Initial consideration not yet incurred	'	'	'	$2,340,000,000	'	'	'
Business Combination, Consideration	'	'	'	'	2,250,000,000	'	'
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate consideration paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	79,940,000	99,242,000	44,436,000	'	'	74,941,000	99,242,000
Summary of pro-forma consolidated financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	10,540,181,000	10,101,502,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$725,774,000	$594,632,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net income per common share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$7.13	$5.80	'	'	'	'	'
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$6.98	$5.68	'	'	'	'	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Impact on Net income of liquidations	($169)	$160	($1,067)
Inventories	'	'	'
Percentage of total inventories on LIFO	75.00%	75.00%	77.00%
Excess of FIFO over LIFO	337,214	357,303	378,986
Increase (decrease) in net income due to LIFO	$12,299	$13,365	($62,636)
Increase (decrease) in net income per common share due to LIFO	$0.12	$0.13	($0.59)

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Schedule II) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$47,667	$51,747	$59,310
Amount acquired through acquisitions	896	226	462
Bad debt expense	31,192	20,922	25,078
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	-25,295	-25,228	-33,103
Ending balance	$54,460	$47,667	$51,747

Goodwill_Intangible_and_LongLi2

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]

Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]

Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]

Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]

Acquisition of Leigh Paints [Member]

Acquisition of Leigh Paints [Member]

Acquisition of Leigh Paints [Member]

Paint Stores Group [Member]

Paint Stores Group [Member]

Paint Stores Group [Member]

Paint Stores Group [Member]

Global Finishes Group [Member]

Global Finishes Group [Member]

Global Finishes Group [Member]

Global Finishes Group [Member]

Consumer Group [Member]

Consumer Group [Member]

Consumer Group [Member]

Consumer Group [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Intellectual Property [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]

Acquisition of Leigh Paints [Member]

Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]

Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]

Acquisition of Leigh Paints [Member]

Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]

Acquisition of Leigh Paints [Member]

Paint Stores Group [Member]

Paint Stores Group [Member]

Global Finishes Group [Member]

Global Finishes Group [Member]

Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]

Acquisitions of Geocel and Pulanna [Member]

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill Recognized

$19,848,000

$42,064,000

$5,039,000

'

$1,885,000

$60,027,000

'

'

$5,039,000

'

'

$1,885,000

'

'

'

$17,963,000

$24,707,000

$5,039,000

'

$17,357,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Trademarks acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

466,000

968,000

Goodwill

1,178,687,000

1,156,005,000

1,108,008,000

1,102,458,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

287,300,000

286,784,000

286,998,000

286,744,000

[1]

178,298,000

152,287,000

120,350,000

115,719,000

[1]

706,292,000

703,351,000

689,279,000

689,388,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

150,035,000

162,750,000

160,122,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

163,264,000

184,803,000

145,751,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,230,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,120,000

1,918,000

4,955,000

1,335,000

4,794,000

'

13,000,000

2,125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted Average useful life of finite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'15 years

'

'5 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,400,000

4,669,000

686,000

823,000

'

'

Goodwill impairment

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

Impairment of intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated impairment

8,904,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

791,000

'

'

'

'

8,113,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional Goodwill Intangible and Long Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]

'

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'

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'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2014

28,172,000

'

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'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2015

25,362,000

'

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'

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'

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'

Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2016

20,750,000

'

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Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2017

15,097,000

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Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2018

$13,324,000

'

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[1]

Net of accumulated impairment losses of $8,904 ($8,113 in the Consumer Group and $791 in the Global Finishes Group).

Goodwill_Intangible_and_LongLi3

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment	'	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$1,156,005,000	$1,108,008,000	$1,102,458,000	[1]
Acquisitions	19,848,000	42,064,000	5,039,000
Currency and other adjustments	2,834,000	5,933,000	511,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,178,687,000	1,156,005,000	1,108,008,000
Goodwill impairment	0	0	0
Paint Stores Group [Member]	'	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment	'	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	286,784,000	286,998,000	286,744,000	[1]
Acquisitions	1,885,000	'	'
Currency and other adjustments	-1,369,000	-214,000	254,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	287,300,000	286,784,000	286,998,000
Consumer Group [Member]	'	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment	'	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	706,292,000	689,279,000	689,388,000	[1]
Acquisitions	'	17,357,000	'
Currency and other adjustments	-2,941,000	-344,000	-109,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	703,351,000	706,292,000	689,279,000
Global Finishes Group [Member]	'	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment	'	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	152,287,000	120,350,000	115,719,000	[1]
Acquisitions	17,963,000	24,707,000	5,039,000
Currency and other adjustments	8,048,000	7,230,000	-408,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	178,298,000	152,287,000	120,350,000
Latin America Coating Group [Member]	'	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment	'	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	10,642,000	11,381,000	10,607,000	[1]
Currency and other adjustments	-904,000	-739,000	774,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$9,738,000	$10,642,000	$11,381,000
[1]	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $8,904 ($8,113 in the Consumer Group and $791 in the Global Finishes Group).

Goodwill_Intangible_and_LongLi4

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Carrying value of intangible assets	'	'	'
Weighted-average amortization period	'9 years	'11 years	'11 years
Gross	$442,366	$444,868	$383,487
Accumulated amortization	-279,102	-260,065	-237,736
Net value	163,264	184,803	145,751
Trademarks with indefinite lives	150,035	162,750	160,122
Total intangible assets	313,299	347,553	305,873
Software [Member]	'	'	'
Carrying value of intangible assets	'	'	'
Weighted-average amortization period	'8 years	'8 years	'7 years
Gross	114,404	107,779	109,401
Accumulated amortization	-77,018	-66,106	-60,030
Net value	37,386	41,673	49,371
All Other [Member]	'	'	'
Carrying value of intangible assets	'	'	'
Weighted-average amortization period	'10 years	'12 years	'13 years
Gross	327,962	337,089	274,086
Accumulated amortization	-202,084	-193,959	-177,706
Net value	$125,878	$143,130	$96,380

Exit_or_Disposal_Activities_Ex

Exit or Disposal Activities Exit or Disposal Activities (Textuals) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	store	store	store
	facility
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of facilities closed	5	'	'
Stores and branches closed	16	19	22
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	$4,619,000	$7,676,000	$1,434,000
Adjustments to prior provisions for qualified exit costs	63,000	-4,942,000	-900,000
Reductions in carrying value of property plant and equipment	'	'	3,263,000
Global Finishes Group [Member]	'	'	'
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	278,000	7,363,000	913,000
Consumer Group [Member]	'	'	'
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	598,000	0	339,000
Paint Stores Group [Member]	'	'	'
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	1,004,000	313,000	182,000
Latin America Coatings Group [Member]	'	'	'
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	123,000	0	0
Facilities Closed Down Prior to 2013 [Member]	'	'	'
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Adjustments to prior provisions for qualified exit costs	$2,679,000	'	'

Exit_or_Disposal_Activities_De

Exit or Disposal Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$8,557,000	$10,400,000	$16,047,000
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	4,619,000	7,676,000	1,434,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	-7,419,000	-4,577,000	-6,181,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	63,000	-4,942,000	-900,000
Ending Balance	5,820,000	8,557,000	10,400,000
Facilities Shutdown Prior to 2011 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	2,288,000	'	'
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	-955,000	'	'
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	-36,000	'	'
Ending Balance	1,297,000	'	'
Facilities shutdown Prior to 2010 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	8,493,000	'
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	-2,156,000	'
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	-4,871,000	'
Ending Balance	'	1,466,000	'
Paint Stores Group [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	1,004,000	313,000	182,000
Consumer Group [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	598,000	0	339,000
Global Finishes Group [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	278,000	7,363,000	913,000
Latin America Coatings Group [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	123,000	0	0
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Facilities shutdown prior to 2009 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	10,366,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	'	-3,572,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	'	-1,087,000
Ending Balance	'	'	5,707,000
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Stores shutdown in 2012 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	313,000	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	'	313,000	'
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	-68,000	'	'
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	-1,000	'	'
Ending Balance	244,000	313,000	'
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Stores shutdown in 2011 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	156,000	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	'	'	182,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	-144,000	-26,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	-12,000	'
Ending Balance	'	'	156,000
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Stores shutdown in 2010 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	4,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	'	-4,000
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Stores shutdown in 2009 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	2,022,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	'	-805,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	'	3,000
Ending Balance	'	'	1,220,000
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Consumer Group [Member] | Manufacturing facilities shutdown in 2009 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	721,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	'	-245,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	'	-74,000
Ending Balance	'	'	402,000
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Facility shutdown in 2012 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	3,430,000	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	83,000	3,430,000	'
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	-3,530,000	'	'
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	100,000	'	'
Ending Balance	83,000	3,430,000	'
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Branches shutdown in 2011 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	290,000	470,000	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	'	'	597,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	-222,000	-180,000	-127,000
Ending Balance	68,000	290,000	470,000
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Branches shutdown in 2010 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	955,000	1,114,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	-133,000	-159,000
Ending Balance	'	822,000	955,000
Other qualified exit costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Manufacturing facility and branches shutdown in 2009 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	1,820,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	'	-918,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	'	262,000
Ending Balance	'	'	1,164,000
Severance and related costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Stores Shutdown in 2013 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	1,004,000	'	'
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	-27,000	'	'
Ending Balance	977,000	'	'
Severance and related costs [Member] | Consumer Group [Member] | Facility Shutdown in 2013 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	598,000	'	'
Ending Balance	598,000	'	'
Severance and related costs [Member] | Consumer Group [Member] | Manufacturing facilities shutdown in 2011 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	197,000	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	'	'	339,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	-133,000	-142,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	-64,000	'
Ending Balance	'	'	197,000
Severance and related costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Branches Shutdown in 2013 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	278,000	'	'
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	-25,000	'	'
Ending Balance	253,000	'	'
Severance and related costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Facility shutdown in 2012 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	2,236,000	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	2,533,000	3,933,000	'
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	-2,592,000	-1,697,000	'
Ending Balance	2,177,000	2,236,000	'
Severance and related costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Branches shutdown in 2011 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	129,000	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	'	'	316,000
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	'	-134,000	-187,000
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net	'	5,000	'
Ending Balance	'	'	129,000
Severance and related costs [Member] | Latin America Coatings Group [Member] | Facility Shutdown in 2013 [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs	'	'	'
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	123,000	'	'
Ending Balance	$123,000	'	'

Pension_Health_Care_and_Postre2

Pension Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Health Care Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of active employees entitled to receive benefits under health care plans	19,440	18,609	18,189	'
Cost of benefits includes claims incurred and claims incurred but not reported under health care plans	$174,588	$163,011	$155,501	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of Domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan	1	'	'	'
Number of Domestic hourly defined benefit pension plan	1	'	'	'
Number of Foreign defined benefit pension plans	20	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,055,349	836,576	732,523	'
Number of foreign defined benefit pension plans unfunded or underfunded	15	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2014	17,777	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2015	18,884	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2016	19,716	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2017	22,260	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2018	22,606	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2018 through 2022	109,636	'	'	'
Target allocations for plan assets in equity securities, minimum	45.00%	'	'	'
Target allocations for plan assets in equity securities, maximum	65.00%	'	'	'
Target allocation percentage of assets fixed income securities, minimum	30.00%	'	'	'
Target allocation percentage of assets fixed income securities, maximum	40.00%	'	'	'
Retired employees entitled to receive postretirement benefits	4,419	4,402	4,436	'
Defined benefit plan ultimate health care cost trend rate and Prescription drug cost increase rate	5.00%	'	'	'
Year in which health care cost trend rate reaches ultimate trend rate	'2022	'	'	'
Reduction in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for subsidy	21,400	'	'	'
Effect of subsidy on net period postretirement benefit cost	0	5,712	7,073	'
Effect of subsidy on amortization of actuarial experience gain	'	5,278	6,831	'
Effect of subsidy on interest cost	'	434	242	'
Defined Contribution Pension [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Description of plan	'Prior to July 1, 2009, the contribution was based on six percent of compensation for covered employees. Effective July 1, 2009, the contribution percentage was changed to a range from two percent to seven percent based on an age and service formula	'	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Defined Contribution Pension After June 30, 2009 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company, percentage	2.00%	'	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Defined Contribution Pension After June 30, 2009 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company, percentage	7.00%	'	'	'
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company	27,803	25,147	23,344	'
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	577,736	460,591	415,163	'
Projected benefit obligation	582,036	466,827	410,029	390,257
Fair value of plan assets	870,386	703,563	614,463	634,725
Equity investment in domestic defined benefit pension plan assets, shares	300,000	'	'	'
Market value of common shares invested in defined benefit pension plan assets	55,050	'	'	'
Share equity investments in the domestic defined benefit pension plan assets	6.30%	'	'	'
Dividends received on the common stock	600	'	'	'
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company	1,428	4,621	3,807	'
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	187,670	142,769	121,137	'
Projected benefit obligation	222,996	168,758	141,465	85,936
Fair value of plan assets	184,963	133,013	118,060	65,748
Increase in combined projected benefit obligations primarily due to changes in plan assumptions	'	54,238	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2014	8,130	'	'	'
Domestic Salaried Plan Between January 1, 2002 and September 30, 2011 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Threshold service requirement for defined benefit pension plan eligibility	'6 months	'	'	'
Domestic Salaried Plan Between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2004 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company, percentage	6.00%	'	'	'
Domestic Salaried Plan After December 31, 2004 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company, percentage	2.00%	'	'	'
Domestic Salaried Plan After December 31, 2004 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company, percentage	7.00%	'	'	'
Revised Domestic Salaried Plan After December 31, 2001 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company, percentage	2.00%	'	'	'
Revised Domestic Salaried Plan After December 31, 2001 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contributions by Company, percentage	7.00%	'	'	'
Domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	582,036	313,964	269,314	'
Fair value of plan assets	870,386	559,552	487,990	'
Excess/(deficiency) of plan assets	288,350	245,588	218,676	'
Domestic hourly defined benefit pension plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	'	152,863	140,715	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	144,011	126,473	'
Excess/(deficiency) of plan assets	'	-8,852	-14,242	'
Unfunded or underfunded foreign defined benefit pension plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	124,062	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	156,423	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	104,282	'	'	'
Excess/(deficiency) of plan assets	-52,141	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Description of plan	'All employees who became participants on or after January 1, 2002 and before January 1, 2005 were credited with certain contribution credits equivalent to six percent of their salary. All employees who became participants on or after January 1, 2005 were credited with certain contribution credits that range from two percent to seven percent of compensation based on an age and service formula. Effective July 1, 2009, the domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan was revised, and all employees who become participants on or after January 1, 2002 were credited with certain contribution credits that range from two percent to seven percent of compensation based on an age and service formula.	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2014	60,725	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2015	60,759	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2016	61,741	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2017	62,755	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2018	63,631	'	'	'
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2018 through 2022	289,290	'	'	'
Amortization of actuarial losses	-1,423	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service credit	-1,837	'	'	'
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	286,651	338,134	316,795	315,572
Amortization of prior service credit	$503	'	'	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of Foreign defined benefit pension plans	3	'	'	'
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of Foreign defined benefit pension plans	1	'	'	'

Pension_Health_Care_and_Postre3

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	$1,055,349		$836,576		$732,523		'
Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	15,055	[1]	68,795	[1]	9,408	[1]	'
Equity investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	736,873	[2]	490,993	[2]	482,694	[2]	'
Fixed Income Investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	255,927	[3]	239,558	[3]	202,939	[3]	'
Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	47,494	[4]	37,230	[4]	37,482	[4]	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	547,097		374,829		371,792		'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	1,941	[1]	'		'		'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	419,779	[2]	243,553	[2]	268,307	[2]	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fixed Income Investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	125,377	[3]	131,276	[3]	103,485	[3]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	490,311		442,897		339,831		'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	13,114	[1]	68,795	[1]	9,408	[1]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	317,094	[2]	247,440	[2]	214,387	[2]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed Income Investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	130,550	[3]	108,282	[3]	99,454	[3]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	29,553	[4]	18,380	[4]	16,582	[4]	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	17,941		18,850		20,900		24,687
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed Income Investments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	'		'		'	[3]	5,535
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	17,941	[4]	18,850	[4]	20,900	[4]	19,152
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'		'		'		'
Net pension costs:	'		'		'		'
Service costs	23,176		19,061		17,933		'
Interest costs	18,444		17,442		18,602		'
Expected returns on plan assets	-42,937		-44,841		-46,441		'
Amortization of prior service costs	1,823		1,591		1,635		'
Amortization of actuarial losses	13,147		22,205		16,865		'
Ongoing pension costs	13,653		15,458		8,594		'
Net pension costs	13,653		15,458		8,594		'
Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):	'		'		'		'
Net actuarial (gains) losses arising during the year	-90,669		-26,459		48,745		'
Prior service costs during the year	1,756		2,495		1,195		'
Amortization of prior service costs	-1,823		-1,591		-1,635		'
Amortization of actuarial losses	-13,147		-22,205		-16,865		'
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	-103,883		-47,760		31,440		'
Total recognized in net pension costs and Cumulative other comprehensive loss	-90,230		-32,302		40,034		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	870,386		703,563		614,463		634,725
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'		'		'		'
Net pension costs:	'		'		'		'
Service costs	5,039		3,654		3,055		'
Interest costs	7,940		6,927		5,954		'
Expected returns on plan assets	-7,487		-6,799		-5,535		'
Amortization of actuarial losses	1,716		1,022		493		'
Ongoing pension costs	7,208		4,804		3,967		'
Settlement costs (credits)	-220		47		-235		'
Net pension costs	6,988		4,851		3,732		'
Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):	'		'		'		'
Net actuarial (gains) losses arising during the year	-5,487		14,131		15,944		'
Amortization of actuarial losses	-1,716		-1,022		-493		'
Exchange rate gain (loss) recognized during year	819		1,464		-387		'
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	-6,384		14,573		15,064		'
Total recognized in net pension costs and Cumulative other comprehensive loss	604		19,424		18,796		'
Investments at fair value:	'		'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	$184,963		$133,013		$118,060		$65,748
[1]	This category includes a full range of high quality, short-term money market securities.
[2]	This category includes actively managed equity assets that track primarily to the S&P 500.
[3]	This category includes government and corporate bonds that track primarily to the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index.
[4]	This category consists of venture capital funds.

Pension_Health_Care_and_Postre4

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3	'		'		'
Balances at end of year	$1,055,349		$836,576		$732,523
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3	'		'		'
Balances at beginning of year	'		'		24,687
Dispositions	'		'		-7,106
Realized and Unrealized Gains	'		'		3,319
Balances at end of year	17,941		18,850		20,900
Fixed Income Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3	'		'		'
Balances at end of year	255,927	[1]	239,558	[1]	202,939	[1]
Fixed Income Investments [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3	'		'		'
Balances at beginning of year	'		'		5,535
Dispositions	'		'		-5,717
Realized and Unrealized Gains	'		'		182
Balances at end of year	'		'		'	[1]
Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3	'		'		'
Balances at end of year	47,494	[2]	37,230	[2]	37,482	[2]
Other Assets [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3	'		'		'
Balances at beginning of year	18,850	[2]	20,900	[2]	19,152
Dispositions	-4,068		-3,827		-1,389
Realized and Unrealized Gains	3,159		1,777		3,137
Balances at end of year	$17,941	[2]	$18,850	[2]	$20,900	[2]
[1]	This category includes government and corporate bonds that track primarily to the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index.
[2]	This category consists of venture capital funds.

Pension_Health_Care_and_Postre5

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Plan assets:	'	'	'
Balances at end of year	$1,055,349	$836,576	$732,523
Assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:	'	'	'
Deferred pension assets	302,446	249,911	228,350
Other accruals	-513,433	-513,717	-471,761
Other long-term liabilities	-688,168	-614,109	-612,913
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligations at end of year	577,736	460,591	415,163
Projected benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Balances at beginning of year	466,827	410,029	390,257
Service cost	23,176	19,061	17,933
Interest cost	18,444	17,442	18,602
Actuarial (gains) losses	-5,488	48,346	8,428
Acquisitions of businesses and other	113,174	2,496	1,194
Benefits paid	-34,097	-30,547	-26,385
Balances at end of year	582,036	466,827	410,029
Plan assets:	'	'	'
Balances at beginning of year	703,563	614,463	634,725
Actual returns on plan assets	128,117	119,647	6,123
Acquisitions of businesses and other	72,803	'	'
Benefits paid	-34,097	-30,547	-26,385
Balances at end of year	870,386	703,563	614,463
Excess (deficient) plan assets over projected benefit obligations	288,350	236,736	204,434
Assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:	'	'	'
Deferred pension assets	288,350	245,588	218,676
Other long-term liabilities	'	-8,852	-14,242
Total	288,350	236,736	204,434
Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial losses	-59,272	-163,088	-211,752
Prior service costs	-6,043	-6,110	-5,206
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	-65,315	-169,198	-216,958
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.65%	3.73%	4.40%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net pension costs:	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.73%	4.40%	4.97%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.00%	7.50%	7.50%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligations at end of year	187,670	142,769	121,137
Projected benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Balances at beginning of year	168,758	141,465	85,936
Service cost	5,039	3,654	3,055
Interest cost	7,940	6,927	5,954
Actuarial (gains) losses	5,939	17,532	11,395
Acquisitions of businesses and other	39,622	-975	42,131
Effect of foreign exchange	1,549	6,633	-3,760
Benefits paid	-5,851	-6,478	-3,246
Balances at end of year	222,996	168,758	141,465
Plan assets:	'	'	'
Balances at beginning of year	133,013	118,060	65,748
Actual returns on plan assets	20,316	10,201	987
Acquisitions of businesses and other	36,106	6,205	57,761
Effect of foreign exchange	1,379	5,025	-3,190
Benefits paid	-5,851	-6,478	-3,246
Balances at end of year	184,963	133,013	118,060
Excess (deficient) plan assets over projected benefit obligations	-38,033	-35,745	-23,405
Assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:	'	'	'
Deferred pension assets	14,096	4,323	9,674
Other accruals	-1,126	-869	-829
Other long-term liabilities	-51,003	-39,199	-32,250
Total	-38,033	-35,745	-23,405
Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial losses	-35,183	-41,567	-26,994
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	($35,183)	($41,567)	($26,994)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.89%	4.58%	4.94%
Rate of compensation increase	4.31%	4.08%	4.05%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net pension costs:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.58%	4.94%	5.48%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	5.67%	6.04%	6.12%
Rate of compensation increase	4.08%	4.04%	4.06%

Pension_Health_Care_and_Postre6

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:	'	'	'
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	($268,874)	($320,223)	($297,528)
Other accruals	-513,433	-513,717	-471,761
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions [Member]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Balances at beginning of year	338,134	316,795	315,572
Service cost	3,061	2,943	3,495
Interest cost	12,183	13,520	15,580
Actuarial (gain) loss	-53,096	18,961	-3,965
Benefits paid	-13,631	-14,085	-13,887
Balances at end of year	286,651	338,134	316,795
Liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:	'	'	'
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	-268,874	-320,223	-297,528
Other accruals	-17,777	-17,911	-19,267
Total	-286,651	-338,134	-316,795
Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial losses	-8,287	-62,814	-45,567
Prior service costs	-2,503	-328	-983
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	($5,784)	($62,486)	($44,584)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.60%	3.70%	4.40%
Health care cost trend rate - pre-65	7.50%	8.00%	8.00%
Health care cost trend rate - post-65	6.50%	8.00%	8.00%
Prescription drug cost increases	7.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.70%	4.40%	5.10%
Health care cost trend rate - pre-65	8.00%	8.00%	7.50%
Health care cost trend rate - post-65	8.00%	8.00%	7.50%
Prescription drug cost increases	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%

Pension_Health_Care_and_Postre7

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 4) (Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions [Member]	'	'	'
Net pension costs:	'	'	'
Service cost	$3,061	$2,943	$3,495
Interest cost	12,183	13,520	15,580
Amortization of actuarial losses	3,934	1,715	2,505
Amortization of prior service credit	-328	-656	-657
Net pension costs	18,850	17,522	20,923
Other changes in projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gains) losses arising during the year	-53,096	18,961	-3,965
Amortization of prior service credit	328	656	657
Amortization of actuarial losses	-3,934	-1,715	-2,505
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	-56,702	17,902	-5,813
Total recognized in net pension costs and Cumulative other comprehensive loss	($37,852)	$35,424	$15,110

Recovered_Sheet1

Pension Health Care And Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant effect on amounts reported for service and interest rate component and postretirement health care benefit obligation	'
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, One-Percentage-Point, Increase	$148
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, One-Percentage-Point, Decrease	-158
Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation One-Percentage-Point, Increase	2,953
Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation One-Percentage-Point, Decrease	-3,120
Retiree health care benefit cash payments	'
Retiree Health Care Benefits, 2014	19,119
Medicare Prescription Reimbursement, 2014	-1,342
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2014	17,777
Retiree Health Care Benefits, 2015	20,395
Medicare Prescription Reimbursement, 2015	-1,511
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2015	18,884
Retiree Health Care Benefits, 2016	21,396
Medicare Prescription Reimbursement, 2016	-1,680
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2016	19,716
Retiree Health Care Benefits, 2017	22,260
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2017	22,260
Retiree Health Care Benefits, 2018	22,606
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2018	22,606
Retiree Health Care Benefits, 2018 through 2022	109,636
Expected Cash Payments - Net 2018 through 2022	109,636
Retiree Health Care Benefits	215,412
Medicare Prescription Reimbursement	-4,533
Expected Benefit Cash Payments	$210,879

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,122,373	$1,632,165	$639,231
1.35% Senior notes due 2017 [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Long-term debt	699,277	699,091	'
4.00% Senior notes due 2042 [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Long-term debt	298,545	298,493	'
7.375% Debentures due 2027 [Member] | Subordinated Debentures Subject To Mandatory Redemption [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Long-term debt	119,366	129,060	129,056
7.45% Debentures due 2097 [Member] | Subordinated Debentures Subject To Mandatory Redemption [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Long-term debt	3,500	3,500	3,500
2.00% to 2.02% Promissory Notes Through 2023 [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Long-term debt	1,685	2,109	6,808
3.125% Senior notes due 2014 [Member]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	'	'
Long-term debt	'	$499,912	$499,867

Debt_Details_Textual

Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 04, 2012	Dec. 04, 2012
				1.35% Senior notes due 2017 [Member]	4.00% Senior notes due 2042 [Member]
Additional Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Maturities of long-term debt 2014	$502,991,000	'	'	'	'
Maturities of long-term debt 2015	355,000	'	'	'	'
Maturities of long-term debt 2016	217,000	'	'	'	'
Maturities of long-term debt 2017	700,150,000	'	'	'	'
Maturities of long-term debt 2018	153,000	'	'	'	'
Interest expense on long-term debt	57,949,000	36,188,000	31,883,000	'	'
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Issue of debt securities	'	'	'	$700,000,000	$300,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	'	'	'	1.35%	4.00%

Debt_Details_Textual_1

Debt (Details Textual 1)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 14, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 08, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 07, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 18, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 19, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 18, 2013

Jun. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 08, 2011

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Three year credit agreement [Member]

Three year credit agreement [Member]

Five year senior unsecured revolving credit agreement [Member]

Five year senior unsecured revolving credit agreement [Member]

Three year senior unsecured revolving credit agreement [Member]

Three year senior unsecured revolving credit agreement [Member]

Domestic Commercial Paper Program [Member]

Domestic Commercial Paper Program [Member]

Domestic Commercial Paper Program [Member]

Foreign Programs [Member]

Foreign Programs [Member]

Foreign Programs [Member]

Sherwin Williams Luxembourg [Member]

Sherwin Williams Luxembourg [Member]

Sherwin Williams Luxembourg [Member]

Sherwin Williams Canada Inc [Member]

Sherwin Williams Canada Inc [Member]

Sherwin Williams Canada Inc [Member]

Five Year Agreement Dated January 30, 2012 [Member]

Five Year Agreement Dated January 30, 2012 [Member]

Five year agreement dated April 23, 2012 [Member]

Five year agreement dated April 23, 2012 [Member]

Amended Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit [Member]

Amended Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit [Member]

Contract

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

CAD

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

extension

USD ($)

Debt (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term borrowing outstanding

$69,035,000

$96,551,000

$346,313,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$264,902,000

$96,551,000

$69,035,000

$81,375,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.20%

7.80%

2.80%

4.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant terms

'

'

'

'On January 30, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year credit agreement, subsequently amended on multiple dates, which gives the Company the right to borrow and to obtain the issuance, renewal, extension and increase of a letter of credit

'

'On April 23, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year credit agreement, subsequently amended on multiple dates, which gives the Company the right to borrow and to obtain the issuance, renewal, extension and increase of a letter of credit

'

'On November 14, 2012, the Company entered into a three-year credit agreement, subsequently amended on multiple dates, which gives the Company the right to borrow and to obtain the issuance, renewal, extension and increase of a letter of credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum letter of credit facility

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

1,050,000,000

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95,000,000

'

150,000,000

75,000,000

'

500,000,000

'

250,000,000

'

1,300,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Number of Extensions Allowed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

Line of Credit Facility, Extension Period Allowed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

Number of credit agreements

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'5 years

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'5 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'5 years

'

'

'

Aggregate amount of credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

97,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of outstanding

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Det

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	ManufacturingSite
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accruals for extended environmental-related activities	$86,647	$97,220	$89,266
Estimated costs of current investigation and remediation activities included in Other accruals	15,385	17,101	42,847
Amount by which unaccrued maximum of estimated range exceeds minimum accruals	87,074	'	'
Number of manufacturing sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	2	'	'
Accruals for environmental-related activities of sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	56,921	'	'
Percentage of accrual for environmental-related activities related to sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	55.90%	'	'
Amount by which unaccrued maximum of estimated range exceeds minimum	87,074	'	'
Amount of unaccrued maximum related to sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	$59,245	'	'
Percentage of aggregate unaccrued maximum related to sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	68.00%	'	'

Litigation_Litigation_Details

Litigation Litigation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 27, 2014	Jun. 30, 2008
					Subsequent Event [Member]	Trial by Jury, State of Rhode Island [Member]
					Abatement of Alleged Public Nuisance [Member]	jury_trial
					defendant	defendant
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Jury Trials	'	'	'	'	'	2
Number of additional defendants	'	'	'	'	'	2
Number of additional plaintiffs	'	'	'	'	2	'
Damages awarded to plaintiff	'	'	'	'	$1,150,000,000	'
Payments for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)	80,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Cost of goods sold increase due to DOL settlement	'	'	28,711,000	16,000,000	'	'
Increase to selling, general and administrative expense due to DOL settlement	'	'	2,873,000	64,000,000	'	'
Import tax examination, liability adjustment from settlement with taxing authority, after tax	'	'	21,858,000	'	'	'
DOL settlement	'	80,000,000	-80,000,000	80,000,000	'	'
After tax charge to earnings for DOL settlement	'	$49,163,000	'	$49,163,000	'	'

Capital_Stock_Details

Capital Stock (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Capital Stock (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common stock authorized	'	300,000,000	'	'
Preferred stock authorized	'	30,000,000	'	'
Number of shares authorized under Employee Plan	'	19,200,000	'	'
Common stock reserved for future grants of restricted stock	'	12,121,210	13,558,565	18,013,429
Common stock held in revocable trust	'	486,138	484,872	475,628
Schedule of Capital Stock	'	'	'	'
Common Shares Outstanding, ending	'	100,129,380	103,270,067	103,854,234
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares retired	-125,425,977	'	'	-125,425,977
Schedule of Capital Stock	'	'	'	'
Common Shares in Treasury, beginning	'	8,352,904	3,601,159	124,324,862
Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised	'	2,697	7,766	2,274
Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock	'	116,897	143,979	'
Treasury stock purchased	'	4,300,000	4,600,000	4,700,000
Treasury stock retired	-125,425,977	'	'	-125,425,977
Common Shares in Treasury, ending	'	12,772,498	8,352,904	3,601,159
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Capital Stock	'	'	'	'
Common Shares Outstanding, beginning	'	103,270,067	103,854,234	107,020,728
Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised	'	-2,697	-7,766	-2,274
Shares issued for exercise of option rights	'	1,127,942	4,140,822	1,480,058
Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock	'	-116,897	-143,979	'
Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock	'	150,965	26,756	55,722
Treasury stock purchased	'	-4,300,000	-4,600,000	-4,700,000
Common Shares Outstanding, ending	'	100,129,380	103,270,067	103,854,234
Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock authorized	'	3,000,000	'	'
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock authorized	'	1,000,000	'	'

Stock_Purchase_Plan_and_Prefer1

Stock Purchase Plan and Preferred Stock (Details Textual) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Aug. 01, 2006
			vote
			employee
Stock Purchase Plan and Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employees contributed to company's ESOP	'	'	32,154	'	'	'
Participants contribution on a pretax basis only of their annual compensation, maximum	'	'	20.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of matching contribution to ESOP Plan by employer	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum percentage of eligible contribution plan up to which employer contributes	6.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Company matched eligible employee contributions to employee stock purchase plan ESOP effective July 1, 2009	'	'	'Match to one-hundred percent on the first three percent of eligible employee contributions and fifty percent on the next two percent of eligible contributions.	'	'	'
Percentage of amended matching contribution to ESOP plan by Employer up to First Three Percentage	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of amended eligible contribution plan up to which employer contribute first	3.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of amended matching contribution to ESOP plan by Employer up to Next Two Percentage	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of amended eligible contribution plan up to which employer contribute second	2.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Company contributions description	'	'	'Prior to July 1, 2009, the Company matched one hundred percent of all contributions up to six percent of eligible employee contributions.	'	'	'
Company contributions to ESOP on behalf of participating employees representing amounts authorized by employees to be withheld from their earnings on pre-tax basis	'	'	$97,381	$88,363	$79,266	'
Company's matching contributions to the ESOP	'	'	67,428	142,791	48,816	'
DOL settlement	'	80,000	-80,000	80,000	'	'
Employee stock ownership plan common stock shares held in ESOP (in shares)	'	'	13,609,442	'	'	'
Percentage of total voting shares outstanding held by the ESOP	'	'	13.60%	'	'	'
Employee stock ownership plan ESOP series 2 preferred stock contributed to ESOP (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	500,000
Cumulative quarterly dividends per share on convertible serial preferred stock (in usd per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$11.25
Value of Series 2 Preferred stock issued to ESOP	'	'	'	'	'	500,000
Amount borrowed for acquisition of Series 2 Preferred stock	'	'	'	'	'	500,000
Interest rate on amount borrowed for acquisition of Series 2 Preferred stock	'	'	'	'	'	5.50%
Term for payment of borrowed amount for acquisition of Series 2 Preferred stock in equal quarterly payments	'	'	'10 years	'	'	'
Number of votes for each Series 2 Preferred share under ESOP	'	'	1	'	'	'
Allocated or committed to be released shares of Series 2 Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)	'	0	0	0	0	'
Redeemed share of Series 2 Preferred stock	'	'	60,681	59,187	56,480,000	'
Fair value of Series 2 Preferred stock	'	$210,773	$86,309	$210,773	$328,495	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock- Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 28, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 28, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

right

Employees [Member]

Employees [Member]

Employees [Member]

Non-Employee Directors [Member]

Non-Employee Directors [Member]

Non-Employee Directors [Member]

Non-employee Plan [Member]

Non-employee Plan [Member]

Non-employee Plan [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Time Shares [Member]

Time Shares [Member]

Time Shares [Member]

Time Shares [Member]

2006 Employee Plan [Member]

2006 Employee Plan [Member]

right

Employees [Member]

Non-Employee Directors [Member]

right

Restricted Stock [Member]

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares authorized under Employee Plan

19,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

Number of shares authorized under 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense

$74,702

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$43,575

$29,944

$1,182

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award vesting period

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, Weighted-average period recognition

'1 year 2 months 27 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 4 months 2 days

'11 months 16 days

'1 year 2 months 19 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation expense

58,004

54,348

48,176

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense

22,368

20,948

18,570

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in Basic Net Income per common share due to stock-based compensation expense

($0.35)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Due to Stock Based Compensation Expense

$0.34

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Forfeiture Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Breakdown by award type

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

66.67%

66.77%

66.77%

'

33.33%

33.33%

33.33%

'

'

'

Portion of option rights generally becoming exercisable to the extent of optioned shares

0.33

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration period

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average per share fair value of option rights granted during the year, Optioned Shares

$41.91

$32.74

$18.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of exercised option rights

'

'

'

'

129,742

298,883

53,100

525

1,412

1,129

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value of Options Vested

$28,658

$25,879

$25,868

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding option rights

6,484,592

6,748,126

9,857,695

10,009,385

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

3,500

17,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining term for options outstanding

'6 years 9 months 1 day

'6 years 11 months 27 days

'6 years 6 months 15 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining term for options exercisable

'5 years 8 months 15 days

'5 years 9 months 15 days

'5 years 4 months 21 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares reserved for future grants of option rights restricted stock, Optioned Shares

5,636,618

6,810,439

8,155,734

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Service period required for vesting of grants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Option rights	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.37%	0.78%	1.13%
Expected life of option rights	'5 years 1 month 6 days	'5 years 1 month 10 days	'5 years 3 months 7 days
Expected dividend yield of stock	1.32%	1.43%	1.77%
Expected volatility of stock	28.10%	27.40%	30.30%
Company's non-qualified and incentive stock option right activity for employees and nonemployee directors	'	'	'
Outstanding beginning of the year, Optioned Shares	6,748,126	9,857,695	10,009,385
Granted, Optioned Shares	898,728	1,089,240	1,407,259
Exercised, Optioned Shares	-1,127,942	-4,140,822	-1,480,058
Forfeited, Optioned Shares	-33,278	-57,730	-76,354
Expired, Optioned Shares	-1,042	-257	-2,537
Outstanding end of the year, Optioned Shares	6,484,592	6,748,126	9,857,695
Exercisable at end of year, Optioned Shares	4,424,674	4,245,891	6,908,116
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'
Outstanding beginning of the year, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share	$79.39	$60.31	$55.82
Granted, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share	$179.67	$152.93	$78.72
Exercised, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share	$61.46	$53.40	$47.15
Forfeited, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share	$115.24	$78.01	$67.02
Expired, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share	$79.73	$72.65	$53.65
Outstanding end of the year, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share	$96.25	$79.39	$60.31
Exercisable at end of year, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share	$71.86	$61.43	$54.24
Outstanding end of year, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$563,554	$494,699	$287,526
Exercisable at end of year, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$492,689	$386,484	$243,440

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai1

Stock- Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of grants of restricted stock to certain officers, key employees and non-employee directors	'	'	'
Restricted stock granted	172,406	301,856	300,677
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of grants of restricted stock to certain officers, key employees and non-employee directors	'	'	'
Restricted stock granted	172,406	301,856	300,677
Weighted-average per share fair value of restricted stock granted during the year	163.63	99.47	84.86

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai2

Stock- Based Compensation (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of the Company's restricted stock activity	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	919,748	1,304,891	1,266,201
Granted	172,406	301,856	300,677
Vested	-334,750	-412,859	-16,072
Forfeited	-8,022	-274,140	-245,915
Outstanding at end of year	749,382	919,748	1,304,891

Other_Details

Other (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other general expense - net	'	'	'
Provisions for environmental matters - net	($2,751)	$6,736	$9,100
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	5,207	3,454	-5,469
Net expense (income) of exit or disposal activities	63	-4,942	-900
Total	2,519	5,248	2,731
Other expense (income) - net	'	'	'
Dividend and royalty income	-5,904	-4,666	-4,963
Net expense from financing activities	9,829	9,220	8,023
Foreign currency transaction related losses (gains)	7,669	-3,071	4,748
Other income	-22,684	-21,074	-22,167
Other expense	12,026	9,651	9,550
Total	$936	($9,940)	($4,809)

Other_Textual_Details

Other (Textual) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Contract	Contract	OptionPlan
	OptionPlan	OptionPlan	Contract
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of foreign currency option outstanding	0	0	0
Number of foreign forward contracts outstanding	0	0	0

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'
Exit costs, environ-mental and other similar items	$45,322	$45,403	$53,928
Deferred employee benefit items	32,600	93,039	74,577
Other items (each less than 5 percent of total assets)	53,727	73,388	83,192
Total deferred tax assets	131,649	211,830	211,697
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	214,696	202,891	192,035
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	229,997	207,791	204,284
Foreign	42,543	51,264	50,272
State and local	33,082	27,642	28,219
Total current	305,622	286,697	282,775
Deferred:	'	'	'
Federal	30,384	8,692	20,713
Foreign	-9,041	-16,964	-3,922
State and local	6,432	-2,150	122
Total deferred	27,775	-10,422	16,913
Total provisions for income taxes	$333,397	$276,275	$299,688

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of income before income taxes as used for income tax purposes	'	'	'
Domestic	$969,790	$712,873	$560,395
Foreign	116,168	194,436	181,153
Total	1,085,958	907,309	741,548
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate	'	'	'
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effect of State and local income taxes	2.40%	1.80%	2.10%
Effect of Investment vehicles	-2.10%	-2.10%	-1.90%
Effect of ESOP IRS audit settlement	'	'	10.10%
Effect of Domestic production activities	-2.20%	-1.90%	-2.40%
Effect of Other - net	-2.40%	-2.40%	-2.50%
Effective tax rate	30.70%	30.40%	40.40%
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	28,119	29,666	31,268
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3,480	3,760	2,807
Additions for tax positions of prior years	5,059	7,392	1,354
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-3,378	-6,583	-3,339
Settlements	-103	-1,139	-1,089
Lapses of Statutes of Limitations	-2,180	-4,977	-1,335
Balance at end of year	$30,997	$28,119	$29,666

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Valuation reserves for other deferred tax assets	$7,390	$11,474	$8,017
Domestic net operating loss carryforward	17,294	'	'
Foreign net operating losses carryforward	71,541	'	'
Effect of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and the provisions of the Income Taxes Topic of the ASC	4,411	7,572	-491
Retained earnings invested by foreign subsidiaries for which provision was not made	7,014	'	'
Undistributed foreign earnings	1,294	'	'
Interest related to 2008 tax year	1,991	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits adjusted	27,767	25,011	25,569
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits where significant change is reasonably possible	5,551	'	'
Income tax interest and penalties	103	1,532	1,163
Accrued income tax interest and penalties	$6,246	$6,178	$8,095

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_De

Net Income Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

ParticipatingSecurities

Basic

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average common shares outstanding (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,897,512

101,714,901

103,471,323

Net income

$116,123

$262,966

$257,287

$116,185

$68,052

$234,953

$227,813

$100,216

$752,561

$631,034

$441,860

Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,596

-5,114

-4,825

Net income allocated to common shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

747,965

625,920

437,035

Net income per common share - basic (in dollars per share)

$1.16

$2.61

$2.51

$1.13

$0.66

$2.29

$2.23

$0.97

$7.41

$6.15

$4.22

Diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average common shares outstanding (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,897,512

101,714,901

103,471,323

Stock options and other contingently issuable shares (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,151,359

[1]

2,215,528

[1]

2,200,650

[1]

Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,048,871

103,930,429

105,671,973

Net income

116,123

262,966

257,287

116,185

68,052

234,953

227,813

100,216

752,561

631,034

441,860

Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares assuming dilution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,509

-5,008

-4,756

Net income allocated to common shares assuming dilution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$748,052

$626,026

$437,104

Net income per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)

$1.14

$2.55

$2.46

$1.11

$0.65

$2.24

$2.17

$0.95

$7.26

$6.02

$4.14

Net Income Per Common Share (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares outstanding, anti-dilutive

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

842,354

1,047,734

101,260

Classes of participating securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

Percent common shares representing outstanding shares

99.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.00%

'

'

Percent restricted shares representing outstanding shares

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

[1]

Stock options and other contingently issuable shares excludes 842,354, 1,047,734 and 101,260 shares at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Summary_of_Quarterly_Results_o2

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

$2,457,058

$2,847,417

$2,713,889

$2,167,168

$2,221,870

$2,603,226

$2,573,022

$2,136,344

$10,185,532

$9,534,462

$8,765,699

Gross profit

1,124,178

1,295,958

1,233,579

962,851

995,508

1,150,282

1,150,597

909,839

4,616,566

4,206,226

[1]

3,744,562

Net income

116,123

262,966

257,287

116,185

68,052

234,953

227,813

100,216

752,561

631,034

441,860

Net income per common share - basic (in dollars per share)

$1.16

$2.61

$2.51

$1.13

$0.66

$2.29

$2.23

$0.97

$7.41

$6.15

$4.22

Net income per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)

$1.14

$2.55

$2.46

$1.11

$0.65

$2.24

$2.17

$0.95

$7.26

$6.02

$4.14

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in gross profit

14,938

'

'

'

28,724

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in gross profit, per share

$0.09

'

'

'

$0.17

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in fourth quarter net income

'

'

'

'

49,163

'

'

'

'

49,163

'

Decrease in fourth quarter net income, per share

'

'

'

'

$0.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual physical inventory adjustments in fourth quarter

'

'

'

'

29,488

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

$5,645

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses per share

'

'

'

'

$0.03

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Includes DOL Settlement of $49,163, net of tax (Cost of goods sold $16,000, Selling, general and administrative expenses $64,000 and tax benefit $30,837), or $.47 per share in the Year ended December 31, 2012.

Operating_Leases_Details_Textu

Operating Leases (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Leases (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rental expenses	$327,592	$310,109	$292,516
Contingent rental included in rent expense	$44,084	$39,340	$36,917

Operating_Leases_Details

Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases	'
2014	$277,599
2015	242,261
2016	199,568
2017	152,446
2018	104,186
Later years	244,072
Total minimum lease payments	$1,220,132

Reportable_Segment_Information2

Reportable Segment Information (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	store	store	store
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of reportable operating segments	4	'	'
Aggregate total of long lived assets	3,223,790	3,085,499	2,967,660
Identifiable assets	6,382,507	6,234,737	5,229,252
Export sales and sales to individual customer	'less than 10 percent of consolidated sales to unaffiliated customers	'	'
Paint Stores Group [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of company-operated stores	3,908	'	'
New stores opened	392	'	'
Number of net new stores	388	70	60
Paint Stores Group [Member] | United States of America [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	301	'	'
Number of stores closed	4	'	'
Paint Stores Group [Member] | Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	86	'	'
Paint Stores Group [Member] | Puerto Rico [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	2	'	'
Paint Stores Group [Member] | Trinidad [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	2	'	'
Paint Stores Group [Member] | Jamaica	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	1	'	'
Consumer Group [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percent of sales of one group Including Inter segment transfers represented Products sold through other stores group	64.00%	'	'
Global Finishes Group [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of company-operated stores	300	'	'
New stores opened	2	'	'
Number of stores closed	4	'	'
Decrease in branches	-2	'	'
Number of subsidiaries in foreign countries	34	'	'
Income from licensing agreements in number of foreign countries	16	'	'
Global Finishes Group [Member] | United States of America [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	1	'	'
Number of stores closed	2	'	'
Global Finishes Group [Member] | Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	1	'	'
Number of stores closed	2	'	'
Latin America Coatings Group [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of company-operated stores	282	'	'
New stores opened	14	'	'
Number of stores closed	8	'	'
Decrease in branches	6	'	'
Number of subsidiaries in foreign countries	9	'	'
Income from licensing agreements in number of foreign countries	7	'	'
Number of foreign Joint ventures	4	'	'
Latin America Coatings Group [Member] | South America [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	12	'	'
Number of stores closed	7	'	'
Latin America Coatings Group [Member] | Mexico [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
New stores opened	2	'	'
Number of stores closed	1	'	'
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net external sales	2,129,626	2,049,814	1,982,859
Segment profit	106,166	158,377	122,436
Long-lived assets	627,702	718,409	650,681
Consolidated foreign subsidiaries assets	1,625,422	1,598,996	1,443,034
Percent of assets of consolidated foreign subsidiaries to Company's assets	25.50%	25.60%	27.60%

Reportable_Segment_Information3

Reportable Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	$10,186,000,000		$9,534,000,000		$8,766,000,000
Income before income taxes	'	1,085,958,000		907,309,000		741,548,000
Identifiable assets	6,234,737,000	6,382,507,000		6,234,737,000		5,229,252,000
Capital expenditures	'	166,680,000		157,112,000		153,801,000
Depreciation	'	158,763,000		152,217,000		151,212,000
DOL settlement	80,000,000	-80,000,000		80,000,000		'
Paint Stores Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	6,002,000,000		5,410,000,000		4,780,000,000
Consumer Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	1,342,000,000		1,322,000,000		1,274,000,000
Mark-up on intersegment transfers realized as a result of external sales included in segment profit	'	30,000,000		27,000,000		24,000,000
Global Finishes Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	2,005,000,000		1,961,000,000		1,878,000,000
Latin America Coatings Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	832,000,000		836,000,000		828,000,000
Administrative [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	5,000,000		5,000,000		6,000,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	'		'		'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Consumer Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	2,409,000,000		2,320,000,000		2,091,000,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	9,000,000		7,000,000		9,000,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Latin America Coatings Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	39,000,000		47,000,000		39,000,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Administrative [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	-2,457,000,000		-2,374,000,000		-2,139,000,000
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	10,186,000,000		9,534,000,000		8,766,000,000
Segment profit	'	1,442,000,000		1,307,000,000		985,000,000	[1]
Interest expense	'	-63,000,000		-43,000,000		-42,000,000
Administrative expenses and other	'	-293,000,000		-357,000,000		-201,000,000
Income before income taxes	'	1,086,000,000		907,000,000		742,000,000
Identifiable assets	'	6,383,000,000		'		'
Capital expenditures	'	167,000,000		157,000,000		154,000,000
Depreciation	'	159,000,000		152,000,000		151,000,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	6,002,000,000		5,410,000,000		4,780,000,000
Segment profit	'	991,000,000	[1]	862,000,000	[1]	646,000,000	[1]
Income before income taxes	'	991,000,000		862,000,000		646,000,000
Reportable segment margins	'	16.50%		15.90%		13.50%
Identifiable assets	1,374,000,000	1,668,000,000		1,374,000,000		1,309,000,000
Capital expenditures	'	73,000,000		67,000,000		50,000,000
Depreciation	'	55,000,000		49,000,000		48,000,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	3,751,000,000		3,642,000,000		3,365,000,000
Segment profit	'	242,000,000	[1]	217,000,000	[1]	174,000,000	[1]
Income before income taxes	'	242,000,000		217,000,000		174,000,000
Reportable segment margins	'	6.50%		6.00%		5.20%
Identifiable assets	1,701,000,000	1,762,000,000		1,701,000,000		1,682,000,000
Capital expenditures	'	40,000,000		47,000,000		35,000,000
Depreciation	'	45,000,000		43,000,000		43,000,000	[1]
Operating Segments [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	2,014,000,000		1,968,000,000		1,887,000,000
Segment profit	'	170,000,000		147,000,000		90,000,000
Income before income taxes	'	170,000,000		147,000,000		90,000,000
Reportable segment margins	'	8.40%		7.50%		4.80%
Identifiable assets	987,000,000	964,000,000		987,000,000		939,000,000
Capital expenditures	'	15,000,000		14,000,000		14,000,000
Depreciation	'	29,000,000		30,000,000		31,000,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America Coatings Group [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	871,000,000		883,000,000		867,000,000
Segment profit	'	39,000,000		81,000,000		75,000,000
Income before income taxes	'	39,000,000		81,000,000		75,000,000
Reportable segment margins	'	4.50%		9.20%		8.70%
Identifiable assets	485,000,000	485,000,000		485,000,000		469,000,000
Capital expenditures	'	7,000,000		9,000,000		14,000,000
Depreciation	'	10,000,000		10,000,000		11,000,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Administrative [Member]	'	'		'		'
Reportable segment information	'	'		'		'
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	'	-2,452,000,000		-2,369,000,000		-2,133,000,000
Segment profit	'	'		'		'
Interest expense	'	-63,000,000		-43,000,000		-42,000,000
Administrative expenses and other	'	-293,000,000		-357,000,000	[2]	-201,000,000
Income before income taxes	'	-356,000,000		-400,000,000		-243,000,000
Identifiable assets	1,688,000,000	1,504,000,000		1,688,000,000		830,000,000
Capital expenditures	'	32,000,000		20,000,000		41,000,000
Depreciation	'	$20,000,000		$20,000,000		$18,000,000
[1]	Segment profit included $30, $27 and $24 of mark-up on intersegment transfers realized primarily as a result of external sales by the Paint Stores Group during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
[2]	Includes $80 pre-tax charge related to DOL Settlement. See Note 9.