The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) 10-K 24 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO
Entity Central Index Key	89,800
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
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			$ 25,439,468,259
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		92,270,422

Statements of Consolidated Inco

Statements of Consolidated Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 11,339,304	$ 11,129,533	$ 10,185,532
Cost of goods sold	5,780,078	5,965,049	5,568,966
Gross profit	$ 5,559,226	$ 5,164,484	$ 4,616,566
Percent to net sales	49.00%	46.40%	45.30%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 3,913,518	$ 3,822,966	$ 3,467,681
Percent to net sales	34.50%	34.30%	34.00%
Other general expense - net	$ 30,268	$ 37,482	$ 2,519
Interest expense	61,791	64,205	62,714
Interest and net investment income	(1,399)	(2,995)	(3,242)
Other expense (income) - net	6,082	(15,400)	936
Income before income taxes	1,548,966	1,258,226	1,085,958
Income taxes	495,117	392,339	333,397
Net income	$ 1,053,849	$ 865,887	$ 752,561
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 11.38	$ 8.95	$ 7.41
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 11.16	$ 8.78	$ 7.26

Statements of Consolidated Comp

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 1,053,849	$ 865,887	$ 752,561
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(128,245)	(103,441)	(46,748)
Net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs arising during period	[1]	7,974	(56,536)	85,051
Less: amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service costs included in Net pension costs	[2]	5,847	8,980	10,933
Employee benefit plans		13,821	(47,556)	95,984
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	[3]	(1,191)	366	134
Less: reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income	[4]	478	(283)	(25)
Unrealized net gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		(713)	83	109
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(115,137)	(150,914)	49,345
Comprehensive income		938,712	714,973	801,906
Net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs arising during period, tax		(3,399)	24,954	(63,343)
Amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service costs included in Net pension costs, tax		(1,647)	(2,712)	(7,643)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, tax		736	(228)	(84)
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income, tax		$ (296)	$ 178	$ 17
[1]	Net of taxes of $(3,399), $24,954 and $(63,343), in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	Net of taxes of $(1,647), $(2,712) and $(7,643), in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[3]	Net of taxes of $736, $(228) and $(84), in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[4]	Net of taxes of $(296), $178 and $17 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 205,744	$ 40,732	$ 744,889
Accounts receivable, less allowance		1,114,275	1,130,565	1,097,751
Inventories:
Finished goods		840,603	841,784	779,057
Work in process and raw materials		177,927	191,743	191,758
Total inventory		1,018,530	1,033,527	970,815
Deferred income taxes		87,883	109,087	104,496
Other current assets		232,442	252,869	240,766
Total current assets		2,658,874	2,566,780	3,158,717
Goodwill	[1]	1,143,333	1,158,346	1,178,687
Intangible assets		255,371	289,127	313,299
Deferred pension assets		244,882	250,144	302,446
Other assets		447,533	420,625	407,975
Property, plant and equipment:
Land		119,530	125,691	125,131
Buildings		696,202	698,202	715,096
Machinery and equipment		2,026,617	1,952,037	1,838,590
Construction in progress		81,082	59,330	62,563
Total gross property, plant and equipment		2,923,431	2,835,260	2,741,380
Less allowances for depreciation		1,881,569	1,814,230	1,719,997
Total net property, plant and equipment		1,041,862	1,021,030	1,021,383
Total Assets		5,791,855	5,706,052	6,382,507
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		39,462	679,436	96,551
Accounts payable		1,157,561	1,042,182	998,484
Compensation and taxes withheld		338,256	360,458	337,637
Accrued taxes		81,146	86,744	79,504
Current portion of long-term debt		3,154	3,265	502,948
Other accruals		522,280	508,581	513,433
Total current liabilities		2,141,859	2,680,666	2,528,557
Long-term debt		1,920,196	1,122,715	1,122,373
Postretirement benefits other than pensions		248,523	277,892	268,874
Other long-term liabilities		613,367	628,309	688,168
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock - $1.00 par value: 92,246,525, 94,704,173, and 100,129,380 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively		115,761	114,525	112,902
Preferred stock - convertible, no par value: 40,406 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013				40,406
Unearned ESOP compensation				(40,406)
Other capital		2,330,426	2,079,639	1,847,801
Retained earnings		3,228,876	2,424,674	1,774,050
Treasury stock, at cost		(4,220,058)	(3,150,410)	(1,639,174)
Cumulative other comprehensive loss		(587,095)	(471,958)	(321,044)
Total shareholders’ equity		867,910	996,470	1,774,535
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity		$ 5,791,855	$ 5,706,052	$ 6,382,507
[1]	Net of accumulated impairment losses of $8,904 ($8,113 in the Consumer Group and $791 in the Global Finishes Group).

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares outstanding	92,246,525	94,704,173	100,129,380
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	40,406

Statements of Consolidated Cash

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 1,053,849	$ 865,887	$ 752,561
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net operating cash:
Depreciation	170,323	169,087	158,763
Amortization of intangible assets	28,239	29,858	29,031
Provisions for environmental-related matters	31,071	36,046	(2,751)
Provisions for qualified exit costs	9,761	13,578	4,682
Deferred income taxes	4,976	(19,038)	27,775
Defined benefit pension plans net cost	6,491	990	20,641
Stock-based compensation expense	72,342	64,735	58,004
Net (decrease) increase in postretirement liability	(6,645)	(718)	5,233
Decrease in non-traded investments	65,144	63,365	57,261
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	(803)	1,436	5,207
Other	6,711	203	(27,214)
Change in working capital accounts:
(Increase) in accounts receivable	(56,873)	(80,252)	(41,473)
(Increase) decrease in inventories	(40,733)	(101,112)	25,031
Increase in accounts payable	160,111	78,603	34,685
Increase in accrued taxes	4,606	13,187	11,314
(Decrease) increase in accrued compensation and taxes withheld	(13,128)	29,513	24,435
Increase (decrease) in refundable income taxes	19,230	(36,601)	13,244
DOL settlement accrual			(80,000)
Other	(955)	(20,029)	43,804
Costs incurred for environmental-related matters	(11,995)	(9,676)	(12,539)
Costs incurred for qualified exit costs	(11,200)	(10,882)	(7,419)
Other	(43,059)	(6,652)	(16,509)
Net operating cash	1,447,463	1,081,528	1,083,766
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(234,340)	(200,545)	(166,680)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired			(79,940)
Proceeds from sale of assets	11,300	1,516	3,045
Increase in other investments	(65,593)	(111,021)	(94,739)
Net investing cash	(288,633)	(310,050)	(338,314)
Financing Activities
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	(630,226)	591,423	31,634
Proceeds from long-term debt	797,514	1,474	473
Payments of long-term debt		(500,661)	(10,932)
Payments of cash dividends	(249,647)	(215,263)	(204,978)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	89,990	100,069	69,761
Income tax effect of stock-based compensation exercises and vesting	89,691	68,657	47,527
Treasury stock purchased	(1,035,291)	(1,488,663)	(769,271)
Other	(42,384)	(24,111)	(17,522)
Net financing cash	(980,353)	(1,467,075)	(853,308)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(13,465)	(8,560)	(9,845)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	165,012	(704,157)	(117,701)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	40,732	744,889	862,590
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	205,744	40,732	744,889
Taxes paid on income	335,119	310,039	200,748
Interest paid on debt	$ 48,644	$ 67,306	$ 61,045

Statements of Consolidated Shar

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Unearned ESOP Compen-sation	Other Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning 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) income	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 -- $2.68, $2.20 and $2.00 per common share in December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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)
Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	865,887					865,887
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(150,914)							(150,914)
Treasury stock purchased	$ (1,488,663)						(1,488,663)
Redemption of preferred stock			(40,406)	40,406
Stock options exercised	$ 77,496	1,423			98,646		(22,573)
Income tax effect of stock compensation	68,657				68,657
Restricted stock and stock option grants (net activity)	64,735	200			64,535
Cash dividends -- $2.68, $2.20 and $2.00 per common share in December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(215,263)					(215,263)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	996,470	114,525	0	0	2,079,639	2,424,674	(3,150,410)	(471,958)
Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	1,053,849					1,053,849
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(115,137)							(115,137)
Treasury stock purchased	(1,035,291)						(1,035,291)
Stock options exercised	55,633	1,134			88,856		(34,357)
Income tax effect of stock compensation	89,691				89,691
Restricted stock and stock option grants (net activity)	72,342	102			72,240
Cash dividends -- $2.68, $2.20 and $2.00 per common share in December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(249,647)					(249,647)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 867,910	$ 115,761	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,330,426	$ 3,228,876	$ (4,220,058)	$ (587,095)

Statements of Consolidated Sha8

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.68	$ 2.20	$ 2

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 47 . Non-traded investments: The Company has investments in the U.S. affordable housing and historic renovation real estate markets and certain other investments that 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. For affordable housing investments entered into prior to the January 1, 2015 adoption of Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2014-01, 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 to income tax expense over the period that the tax credits are recognized. For affordable housing investments entered into on or after the January 1, 2015 adoption of ASU No. 2014-01, the Company uses the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investments is amortized to income tax expense in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received. The carrying amounts of the investments, included in Other assets, were $189,484 , $223,935 and $210,779 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The liabilities recorded on the balance sheets for estimated future capital contributions to the investments were $172,899 , $198,776 and $198,761 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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, 2015 2014 2013 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Publicly traded debt $ 1,918,568 $ 1,960,169 $ 1,120,924 $ 1,160,280 $ 1,620,646 $ 1,614,739 Non-traded debt 4,782 4,555 5,056 4,812 4,675 4,430 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 2015, 2014 and 2013, primarily to hedge against value changes in foreign currency. See Note 13 . There were no material derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. 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 Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Deferred compensation plan asset (a) $ 23,662 $ 2,295 $ 21,367 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan liability (b) $ 35,150 $ 35,150 (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 $24,585 . (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 2015 , 2014 or 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 $49,420 , $53,770 and $54,460 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 $91,217 , $90,712 and $97,523 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 – 19 years 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 $45,407 , $23,442 and $25,896 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , including customer satisfaction settlements during the year, were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1 $ 27,723 $ 26,755 $ 22,710 Charges to expense 43,484 37,879 33,265 Settlements (39,329 ) (36,911 ) (29,220 ) Balance at December 31 $ 31,878 $ 27,723 $ 26,755 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. During 2014, the Company redeemed all remaining preferred shares for cash. 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, 2015 , the ending balance of Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation of $482,629 , net prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $104,346 and unrealized net losses on marketable equity securities of $120 . At December 31, 2014 and 2013 , the ending balance of Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation of $354,384 and $250,943 , respectively, net prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $118,167 and $70,611 , respectively, and unrealized gains on marketable equity securities of $593 and $510 , 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 $57,667 , $50,019 and $47,042 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The settlement gain related to the titanium dioxide litigation reduced 2014 Costs of goods sold by $21,420 . See Note 9 . 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 $338,188 , $299,201 and $262,492 in advertising costs during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects," which allows companies to elect to use the proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, which replaces the effective yield method, the cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received to income tax expense. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-01 did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which eliminates the requirement for separate presentation of current and noncurrent portions of deferred tax. All deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities will be presented as non-current on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Either retrospective or prospective presentation can be used. The company will adopt ASU No. 2015-17 as required. The ASU will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which requires companies to present debt issuance costs associated with a debt liability as a deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability on the balance sheet rather than being capitalized as an asset. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and retrospective presentation is required. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2015-03 as required. The ASU will not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue Recognition - Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The issuance of ASU No. 2015-14 in August 2015 delays the effective date of the standard to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard. Reclassification. Certain amounts in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for 2013 and 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS On September 16, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement and completed the acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Consorcio Comex, S.A. de C.V. (Comex). 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 strengthens the ability of the Paint Stores Group and Consumer Group to serve customers in key geographic markets. The acquisition resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $4,696 . Final asset valuation adjustments resulted in a realized gain of $6,198 which was included in Other (income) expense for the year ended December 31, 2014. The acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Comex has been accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. On April 3, 2014, the Company terminated the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into on November 9, 2013 and subsequently amended and restated for the acquisition of the Mexico business of Comex pursuant to the terms of the agreement.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2014 and 2013 , 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 2014 and 2013 liquidations increased net income by $196 and $169 , respectively. 2015 2014 2013 Percentage of total inventories on LIFO 78 % 76 % 75 % Excess of FIFO over LIFO $ 251,060 $ 331,867 $ 337,214 Increase in net 49,658 3,230 12,299 Increase in net .53 .03 .12

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-L

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS	GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS During 2013 and 2014, the Company recognized acquired customer relationships and finite-lived trademarks of $3,311 and $1,385 , respectively, related to the acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Comex. The customer relationships and finite-lived trademarks are being amortized over 7 years from the date of acquisition. The Company initially recognized $1,885 of goodwill and $466 of indefinite-lived trademarks in 2013, but subsequently adjusted these amounts to zero based on final asset valuations completed in 2014. 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. No material impairments were recorded in 2015, 2014 and 2013. 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 annual impairment reviews performed as of October 1, 2015, 2014 and 2013 did not result in any goodwill or trademark impairment. Amortization of finite-lived intangible assets is as follows for the next five years: $22,241 in 2016 , $16,825 in 2017 , $14,195 in 2018 , $11,131 in 2019 and $10,951 in 2020 . A summary of changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill by Reportable Segment is as follows: Goodwill Paint Stores Group Consumer Group Global Finishes Group Latin America Coatings Group Consolidated Totals Balance at January 1, 2013 (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 Currency and other adjustments (1,866 ) (1,145 ) (17,287 ) (43 ) (20,341 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (a) 285,434 702,206 161,011 9,695 1,158,346 Currency and other adjustments (28 ) (1,135 ) (13,801 ) (49 ) (15,013 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 (a) $ 285,406 $ 701,071 $ 147,210 $ 9,646 $ 1,143,333 (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 with indefinite lives Total intangible assets Software All other Subtotal December 31, 2015 Weighted-average amortization period 8 years 12 years 11 years Gross $ 123,863 $ 312,119 $ 435,982 Accumulated amortization (95,008 ) (228,921 ) (323,929 ) Net value $ 28,855 $ 83,198 $ 112,053 $ 143,318 $ 255,371 December 31, 2014 Weighted-average amortization period 8 years 12 years 11 years Gross $ 126,258 $ 317,005 $ 443,263 Accumulated amortization (88,384 ) (215,518 ) (303,902 ) Net value $ 37,874 $ 101,487 $ 139,361 $ 149,766 $ 289,127 December 31, 2013 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

Exit or Disposal Activities

Exit or Disposal Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2015, 30 stores in the Paint Stores Group, 7 branches in the Global Finishes Group and 2 stores in the Latin America Coatings Group were closed due to lower demand or redundancy. In addition, the Global Finishes Group exited a business in Europe. Provisions for severance and other qualified exit cost of $168 and $8,329 were charged to the Paint Stores Group and Global Finishes Group, respectively. Provisions for severance and other qualified exit costs related to manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities, stores and branches closed prior to 2015 of $1,264 were recorded. During 2014, 7 facilities and 24 stores and branches were closed due to lower demand or redundancy. In addition, the Global Finishes Group exited its business in Venezuela. Provisions for severance and other qualified exit cost of $280 , $4,809 and $4,767 were charged to the Paint Stores Group, Consumer Group and Global Finishes Group, respectively. Provisions for severance and other qualified exit costs related to manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities, stores and branches closed prior to 2014 of $3,722 were recorded. 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. At December 31, 2015 , a portion of the remaining accrual for qualified exit costs relating to facilities shutdown prior to 2013 is expected to be incurred by the end of 2016 . The remaining portion of the ending accrual for facilities shutdown prior to 2013 primarily represented post-closure contractual expenses related to certain owned facilities which are closed and being held for disposal. 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: (Thousands of dollars) Balance at December 31, 2014 Provisions in Actual Balance at December 31, 2015 Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2015: Other qualified exit costs $ 168 $ (156 ) $ 12 Global Finishes Group stores shutdown in 2015: Severance and related costs 1,341 (245 ) 1,096 Other qualified exit costs 6,988 (4,238 ) 2,750 Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2014: Other qualified exit costs $ 280 142 (238 ) 184 Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2014: Severance and related costs 2,732 466 (2,753 ) 445 Other qualified exit costs 781 6 (735 ) 52 Global Finishes Group exit of business in 2014: Severance and related costs 104 326 430 Other qualified exit costs 1,080 324 (1,051 ) 353 Paint Stores Group facility shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs 654 (654 ) Other qualified exit costs 1,205 (411 ) 794 Global Finishes Group stores shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs 28 (28 ) Other qualified exit costs 138 (138 ) Severance and other qualified exit costs for facilities shutdown prior to 2013 1,514 (553 ) 961 Totals $ 8,516 $ 9,761 $ (11,200 ) $ 7,077 Exit Plan Balance at December 31, 2013 Provisions in Actual Balance at December 31, 2014 Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2014: Other qualified exit costs $ 280 $ 280 Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2014: Severance and related costs 4,028 $ (1,296 ) 2,732 Other qualified exit costs 781 781 Global Finishes Group exit of business in 2014: Severance and related costs 2,500 (2,396 ) 104 Other qualified exit costs 2,267 (1,187 ) 1,080 Paint Stores Group facility shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs $ 977 2,126 (2,449 ) 654 Other qualified exit costs 1,499 (294 ) 1,205 Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs 598 97 (695 ) Global Finishes Group stores shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs 33 (5 ) 28 Other qualified exit costs 220 (82 ) 138 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 244 (51 ) 193 Global Finishes Group facilities shutdown in 2012: Severance and related costs 2,177 (1,863 ) 314 Other qualified exit costs 83 83 Other qualified exit costs for facilities shutdown prior to 2012 1,365 (441 ) 924 Totals $ 5,820 $ 13,578 $ (10,882 ) $ 8,516 Exit Plan Balance at December 31, 2012 Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A Actual expenditures charged to accrual Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net Balance at December 31, 2013 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 shutdown prior to 2011 2,288 (955 ) (36 ) 1,297 Totals $ 8,557 $ 4,619 $ (7,419 ) $ 63 $ 5,820

Pension, Health Care and Postre

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 21,918 , 21,239 and 19,440 active employees entitled to receive benefits under these plans at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The cost of these benefits for active employees, which includes claims incurred and claims incurred but not reported, amounted to $217,781 , $202,787 and $174,588 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Defined contribution pension plans. The Company’s annual contribution for its domestic defined contribution pension plan was $35,435 , $32,384 and $27,803 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 contributions for its foreign defined contribution pension plans, which are based on various percentages of compensation for covered employees up to certain limits, were $5,888 , $4,592 and $1,428 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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-two foreign defined benefit pension plans, including three Canadian plans acquired in connection with the 2013 acquisition of Comex's U.S./Canada business. 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. Employees who became participants on or after January 1, 2002 are 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, 2015 , the domestic salaried and hourly defined benefit pension plans were overfunded, with a projected benefit obligation of $624,791 , fair value of plan assets of $858,605 and excess plan assets of $233,814 . The plans are funded in accordance with all applicable regulations at December 31, 2015 and no funding will be required in 2016 . At December 31, 2014 , the domestic salaried and hourly defined benefit pension plans were overfunded, with a projected benefit obligation of $653,338 , fair value of plan assets of $896,071 and excess plan assets of $242,733 . At December 31, 2013 , the domestic salaried and hourly defined benefit pension plan 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 . At December 31, 2015 , seventeen 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 $102,468 , $131,293 , $80,710 and $50,583 , respectively. A decrease of $32,669 from 2014 in the combined projected benefit obligations of all foreign defined benefit pension plans was primarily due to changes in plan assumptions and a settlement charge related to one of the acquired Canada plans. The Company expects to make the following benefit payments for all domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plans: $52,635 in 2016 ; $53,374 in 2017 ; $54,088 in 2018 ; $54,356 in 2019 ; $55,359 in 2020 ; and $278,245 in 2021 through 2025 . The Company expects to contribute $4,405 to the foreign plans in 2016 . The estimated net actuarial losses and prior service costs for the defined benefit pension plans that are expected to be amortized from Cumulative other comprehensive loss into the net pension costs in 2016 are $6,957 and $1,205 , 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 Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Net pension costs: Service costs $ 21,120 $ 21,342 $ 23,176 $ 5,071 $ 5,261 $ 5,039 Interest costs 24,535 26,266 18,444 8,719 10,422 7,940 Expected returns on plan assets (52,095 ) (51,293 ) (42,937 ) (9,296 ) (10,836 ) (7,487 ) Amortization of prior service costs 1,310 1,837 1,823 Amortization of actuarial losses 1,962 13,147 1,910 1,413 1,716 Ongoing pension (credits) costs (3,168 ) (1,848 ) 13,653 6,404 6,260 7,208 Settlement costs (credits) 3,255 (3,422 ) (220 ) Net pension (credits) costs (3,168 ) (1,848 ) 13,653 9,659 2,838 6,988 Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes): Net actuarial losses (gains) arising during the year 15,359 47,785 (90,669 ) 1,907 21,792 (5,487 ) Prior service costs during the year 2,242 1,756 Amortization of prior service costs (1,310 ) (1,837 ) (1,823 ) Amortization of actuarial losses (1,962 ) (13,147 ) (1,910 ) (1,413 ) (1,716 ) Exchange rate (loss) gain recognized during year (5,830 ) (7,988 ) 819 Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss 12,087 48,190 (103,883 ) (5,833 ) 12,391 (6,384 ) Total recognized in net pension costs (credits) and Cumulative other comprehensive loss $ 8,919 $ 46,342 $ (90,230 ) $ 3,826 $ 15,229 $ 604 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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Fair Value at December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Investments at fair value: Short-term investments (a) $ 13,475 $ 13,475 Equity investments (b) 688,799 $ 372,033 316,766 Fixed income investments (c) 290,470 141,448 149,022 Other assets (d) 28,200 16,361 $ 11,839 $ 1,020,944 $ 513,481 $ 495,624 $ 11,839 Fair Value at December 31, 2014 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Investments at fair value: Short-term investments (a) $ 14,846 $ 14,846 Equity investments (b) 739,358 $ 404,542 334,816 Fixed income investments (c) 285,042 141,529 143,513 Other assets (d) 44,470 28,436 $ 16,034 $ 1,083,716 $ 546,071 $ 521,611 $ 16,034 Fair Value at December 31, 2013 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 (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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Balance at December 31, 2014 Dispositions Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Balance at December 31, 2015 Other assets $ 16,034 $ (5,928 ) $ 1,733 $ 11,839 Balance at December 31, 2013 Dispositions Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Balance at December 31, 2014 Other assets $ 17,941 $ (4,320 ) $ 2,413 $ 16,034 Balance at January 1, 2013 Dispositions Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Balance at December 31, 2013 Other assets $ 18,850 $ (4,068 ) $ 3,159 $ 17,941 Included as equity investments in the domestic defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2015 were 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $77,880 , representing 9.1 percent of total domestic plan assets. Dividends received on the Company’s common stock during 2015 totaled $804 . 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 Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Accumulated benefit obligations at end of year $ 621,873 $ 648,480 $ 577,736 $ 172,426 $ 203,610 $ 187,670 Projected benefit obligations: Balances at beginning of year $ 653,338 $ 582,036 $ 466,827 $ 234,524 $ 222,996 $ 168,758 Service costs 21,120 21,342 23,176 5,071 5,261 5,039 Interest costs 24,535 26,266 18,444 8,719 10,422 7,940 Actuarial (gains) losses (40,602 ) 68,748 (5,488 ) (3,045 ) 32,551 5,939 Acquisitions of businesses and other 2,242 113,174 1,072 (6,692 ) 39,622 Settlements (18,707 ) (3,370 ) Effect of foreign exchange (17,211 ) (18,987 ) 1,549 Benefits paid (33,600 ) (47,296 ) (34,097 ) (8,569 ) (7,657 ) (5,851 ) Balances at end of year 624,791 653,338 582,036 201,854 234,524 222,996 Plan assets: Balances at beginning of year 896,071 870,386 703,563 187,645 184,963 133,013 Actual returns on plan assets (3,866 ) 72,256 128,117 4,844 20,240 20,316 Acquisitions of businesses and other 725 72,803 11,424 7,328 36,106 Settlements (18,707 ) (3,370 ) Effect of foreign exchange (14,298 ) (13,859 ) 1,379 Benefits paid (33,600 ) (47,296 ) (34,097 ) (8,569 ) (7,657 ) (5,851 ) Balances at end of year 858,605 896,071 870,386 162,339 187,645 184,963 Excess (deficient) plan assets over projected benefit obligations $ 233,814 $ 242,733 $ 288,350 $ (39,515 ) $ (46,879 ) $ (38,033 ) Assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Deferred pension assets $ 233,814 $ 242,733 $ 288,350 $ 11,068 $ 7,411 $ 14,096 Other accruals (1,442 ) (810 ) (1,126 ) Other long-term liabilities (49,141 ) (53,480 ) (51,003 ) $ 233,814 $ 242,733 $ 288,350 $ (39,515 ) $ (46,879 ) $ (38,033 ) Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial losses $ (120,454 ) $ (107,057 ) $ (59,272 ) $ (41,741 ) $ (47,574 ) $ (35,183 ) Prior service costs (5,138 ) (6,448 ) (6,043 ) $ (125,592 ) $ (113,505 ) $ (65,315 ) $ (41,741 ) $ (47,574 ) $ (35,183 ) Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.40 % 3.95 % 4.65 % 4.20 % 3.92 % 4.89 % Rate of compensation increase 3.14 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 3.70 % 4.31 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net pension costs: Discount rate 3.95 % 4.65 % 3.73 % 3.92 % 4.89 % 4.58 % Expected long-term rate of return on assets 6.00 % 6.00 % 6.00 % 4.84 % 5.58 % 5.67 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 3.70 % 4.31 % 4.08 % 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 4,442 , 4,443 and 4,419 retired employees entitled to receive such postretirement benefits at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The following table summarizes the obligation and the assumptions used for postretirement benefits other than pensions: Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions 2015 2014 2013 Benefit obligation: Balance at beginning of year - unfunded $ 295,149 $ 286,651 $ 338,134 Service cost 2,485 2,434 3,061 Interest cost 11,182 12,782 12,183 Actuarial (gain) loss (19,370 ) 27,757 (50,593 ) Plan amendments (9,269 ) (19,043 ) (2,503 ) Benefits paid (16,794 ) (15,432 ) (13,631 ) Balance at end of year - unfunded $ 263,383 $ 295,149 $ 286,651 Liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Postretirement benefits other than pensions $ (248,523 ) $ (277,892 ) $ (268,874 ) Other accruals (14,860 ) (17,257 ) (17,777 ) $ (263,383 ) $ (295,149 ) $ (286,651 ) Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial losses $ (15,664 ) $ (36,044 ) $ (8,287 ) Prior service credits 25,784 21,043 2,503 $ 10,120 $ (15,001 ) $ (5,784 ) Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation: Discount rate 4.30 % 3.90 % 4.60 % Health care cost trend rate - pre-65 6.00 % 7.00 % 7.50 % Health care cost trend rate - post-65 5.00 % 6.50 % 6.50 % Prescription drug cost increases 11.50 % 6.50 % 7.00 % Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) trend rate 11.50 % 8.00 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 3.90 % 4.60 % 3.70 % Health care cost trend rate - pre-65 7.00 % 7.50 % 8.00 % Health care cost trend rate - post-65 6.50 % 6.50 % 8.00 % Prescription drug cost increases 6.50 % 7.00 % 8.00 % 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 2015 2014 2013 Net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 2,485 $ 2,434 $ 3,061 Interest cost 11,182 12,782 12,183 Amortization of actuarial losses 1,011 3,934 Amortization of prior service credit (4,529 ) (503 ) (328 ) Net periodic benefit cost 10,149 14,713 18,850 Other changes in projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes): Net actuarial (gain) loss (19,370 ) 27,757 (50,593 ) Prior service credit arising during the year (9,269 ) (19,043 ) (2,503 ) Amortization of actuarial losses (1,011 ) (3,934 ) Amortization of prior service credit 4,529 503 328 Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (25,121 ) 9,217 (56,702 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and Cumulative other comprehensive loss $ (14,972 ) $ 23,930 $ (37,852 ) The estimated net actuarial losses and prior service (credits) for postretirement benefits other than pensions that are expected to be amortized from Cumulative other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are $0 and $(6,579) , respectively. 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 2016 both decrease in each successive year until reaching 4.5 percent in 2024 . 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, 2015 : One-Percentage Point Increase (Decrease) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 26 $ (70 ) Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation $ 1,667 $ (2,483 ) The Company expects to make retiree health care benefit cash payments as follows: Expected Cash Payments 2016 $ 14,860 2017 15,856 2018 16,816 2019 17,671 2020 18,294 2021 through 2025 94,114 Total expected benefit cash payments $ 177,611

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT Long-term debt Due Date 2015 2014 2013 1.35% Senior Notes 2017 $ 699,643 $ 699,460 $ 699,277 3.45% Senior Notes 2025 399,774 4.55% Senior Notes 2045 397,634 4.00% Senior Notes 2042 298,645 298,595 298,545 7.375% Debentures 2027 119,372 119,369 119,366 7.45% Debentures 2097 3,500 3,500 3,500 2.02% to 8.00% Promissory Notes Through 2029 1,628 1,791 1,685 $ 1,920,196 $ 1,122,715 $ 1,122,373 Maturities of long-term debt are as follows for the next five years: $3,154 in 2016 ; $700,665 in 2017 ; $153 in 2018 , $156 in 2019 and $159 in 2020 . Interest expense on long-term debt was $54,634 , $56,408 and $57,949 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 July 28, 2015, the Company issued $400 million of 3.45% Senior Notes due 2025 and $400 million of 4.55% Senior Notes due 2045. The notes are covered under a shelf registration filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 28, 2015. The proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of a portion of the Company’s outstanding short-term borrowings. Short-term borrowings. On July 16, 2015, the Company and three of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Sherwin-Williams Canada, Inc. (SW Canada), Sherwin-Williams Luxembourg S.à r.l. (SW Lux) and Sherwin-Williams UK Holding Limited, entered into a new five -year $1.350 billion credit agreement (new credit agreement). The new credit agreement is being used for general corporate purposes, including the financing of working capital requirements. 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 $1.850 billion , both of which are subject to the discretion of each lender. The new credit agreement replaced the previous credit agreements for the Company, SW Canada and SW Lux in the amounts of $1.05 billion , CAD 150,000 and €95,000 (Euro), respectively. At December 31, 2015, short-term borrowings under the new credit agreement were $21,715 with a weighted average interest rate of 0.9% . Borrowings outstanding under various foreign programs were $17,747 at December 31, 2015 with a weighted average interest rate of 14.4% . There were no borrowings outstanding under the Company's domestic commercial paper program at December 31, 2015 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2014 borrowings outstanding under the domestic commercial paper program totaled $625,860 . The weighted average interest rate of these borrowings was 0.3% . 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 gave 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 November 14, 2012 credit agreement matured in 2015. At December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , there were no borrowings outstanding under any of these credit agreements.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were accruals for extended environmental-related activities of $129,856 , $114,281 and $86,647 , respectively. Included in Other accruals at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were accruals for estimated costs of current investigation and remediation activities of $22,493 , $16,868 and $15,385 , 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 $88,900 higher than the minimum accruals at December 31, 2015 . 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, 2015 . At December 31, 2015 , $102,033 , or 67.0 percent of the total accrual, related directly to these two sites. In the aggregate unaccrued maximum of $88,900 at December 31, 2015 , $61,129 , or 68.8 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, 2015
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 has also been 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 material 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, 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. On February 18, 2014, the Company filed a motion for new trial and a motion to vacate the judgment. The court denied these motions on March 24, 2014. On March 28, 2014, the Company filed a notice of appeal to the Sixth District Court of Appeal for the State of California. The filing of the notice of appeal effects an automatic stay of the judgment without the requirement to post a bond. The appeal is fully briefed, and the parties are waiting for the Sixth District Court of Appeal to set a date for oral argument. The date for oral argument is at the discretion of the Sixth District Court of Appeal. The Company expects the Sixth District Court of Appeal to issue its ruling within 90 days following oral argument. 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 and claims for damages allegedly incurred by the children’s parents or guardians. 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, except that liability can be joint and several) 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., was appealed by the plaintiff to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. On July 24, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reversed the judgment and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings. On January 16, 2015, the defendants filed a petition for certiorari in the United States Supreme Court seeking that Court's review of the Seventh Circuit's decision, and on May 18, 2015, the United States Supreme Court denied the defendants' petition. Also, in Yasmine Clark v. The Sherwin-Williams Company, et al., the Wisconsin Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, on March 25, 2014, held that the application to a pending case of Section 895.046 of the Wisconsin Statutes (which clarifies the application of the risk contribution theory) is unconstitutional as a violation of the plaintiff’s right to due process of law under the Wisconsin Constitution. The defendants appealed, and the case is currently pending before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. 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. Government tax assessment settlements related to Brazilian operations. Charges totaling $28,711 and $2,873 were recorded to Cost of goods sold and SG&A, respectively, during the second and third quarters of 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 full year 2013. The Company's import duty process in Brazil was changed to reach a final resolution of this matter with the Brazilian government. Litigation related to Consorcio Comex. As previously disclosed, the Company entered into a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement (as subsequently amended and restated, the “Purchase Agreement”), with Avisep, S.A. de C.V. (“Avisep”) and Bevisep, S.A. de C.V. (“Bevisep”) to, among other things, acquire the Mexico business of Consorcio Comex, S.A. de C.V. (the "Acquisition"). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, either the Company or Avisep and Bevisep had the right to terminate the Purchase Agreement in the event that the closing of the Acquisition did not occur on or prior to March 31, 2014 and such party was not in material breach of the Purchase Agreement. On April 3, 2014, the Company sent notice to Avisep and Bevisep that the Company was terminating the Purchase Agreement. On April 3, 2014, the Company filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, requesting the court to declare that the Company had used commercially reasonable efforts as required under the Purchase Agreement and has not breached the Purchase Agreement. On August 7, 2014, the case was removed by Avisep and Bevisep to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On September 24, 2014, Avisep and Bevisep filed a motion to dismiss the case, including for lack of personal jurisdiction. Oral argument on the motion to dismiss before the District Court occurred on January 27, 2016. On January 29, 2016, the District Court entered a judgment dismissing the case without prejudice for lack of personal jurisdiction. On April 11, 2014, Avisep and Bevisep initiated an arbitration proceeding against the Company in the International Court of Arbitration contending that the Company breached the Purchase Agreement by terminating the Purchase Agreement and not utilizing commercially reasonable efforts under the Purchase Agreement, which allegedly caused Avisep and Bevisep to incur damages. On June 1, 2015, Avisep and Bevisep filed their statement of claim in the arbitration alleging damages of approximately $85,000 . On August 31, 2015, the Company filed its memorial in support of its statement of defense in the arbitration. The hearing on the merits in the arbitration is currently scheduled to begin in April 2016. The Company continues to believe that the claims are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend against such claims. Titanium dioxide suppliers antitrust class action lawsuit. The Company is a member of the plaintiff class related to Titanium Dioxide Antitrust Litigation that was initiated in 2010 against certain suppliers alleging various theories of relief arising from purchases of titanium dioxide made from 2003 through 2012. The Court approved a settlement less attorney fees and expense, and the Company timely submitted claims to recover its pro-rata portion of the settlement. There was no specified deadline for the claims administrator to complete the review of all claims submitted. In October 2014, the Company was notified that it would receive a disbursement of settlement funds, and the Company received a pro-rata disbursement net of all fees of approximately $21,420 . The Company recorded this settlement gain in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
CAPITAL STOCK	CAPITAL STOCK At December 31, 2015 , 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 8,824,943 , 10,304,816 and 12,121,210 shares of common stock at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, were reserved for the exercise and future grants of option rights and future grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units. See Note 12 . Common shares outstanding shown in the following table included 487,900 , 487,075 and 486,138 shares of common stock held in a revocable trust at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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. Common Shares in Treasury Common Shares Outstanding Balance at January 1, 2013 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 Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised 7,229 (7,229 ) Shares issued for exercise of option rights 1,423,395 Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock 108,352 (108,352 ) Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock 191,979 Treasury stock purchased 6,925,000 (6,925,000 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 19,813,079 94,704,173 Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised 14,542 (14,542 ) Shares issued for exercise of option rights 1,133,050 Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock 111,433 (111,433 ) Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock 110,277 Treasury stock purchased 3,575,000 (3,575,000 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 23,514,054 92,246,525

Stock Purchase Plan and Preferr

Stock Purchase Plan and Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Purchase Plan and Preferred Stock [Abstract]
STOCK PURCHASE PLAN AND PREFERRED STOCK	STOCK PURCHASE PLAN AND PREFERRED STOCK As of December 31, 2015 , 34,561 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. The Company matches one hundred percent of all contributions 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 $120,514 , $109,036 and $97,381 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company’s matching contributions to the ESOP charged to operations were $80,356 , $74,574 and $67,428 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , there were 11,333,455 shares of the Company’s common stock being held by the ESOP, representing 12.3 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 was payable over ten years in equal quarterly installments. Each share of Series 2 Preferred stock was entitled to one vote upon all matters presented to the Company’s shareholders and generally voted with the common stock together as one class. The Series 2 Preferred stock was held by the ESOP in an unallocated account. As the value of compensation expense related to contributions to the ESOP was earned, the Company had the option of funding the ESOP by redeeming a portion of the preferred stock or with cash. Contributions were credited to the members’ accounts at the time of funding. The Series 2 Preferred stock was 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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , there were no allocated or committed-to-be released shares of Series 2 Preferred stock outstanding. In 2013 , the Company redeemed for cash 60,681 shares of Series 2 Preferred stock. The fair value of the Series 2 Preferred stock was based on a conversion/redemption formula outlined in the preferred stock terms. At December 31 , 2013 , the fair value of the Series 2 Preferred stock was $86,309 . In 2014, the Company redeemed for cash the remaining 40,406 shares of Series 2 Preferred stock.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 (RSUs), performance shares and performance units to eligible employees. At December 31, 2015 , no appreciation rights, 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 RSUs to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company. At December 31, 2015 , no option rights, appreciation rights or RSUs 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, 2015 , the Company had total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $88,114 that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.06 years. Stock-based compensation expense during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $72,342 , $64,735 and $58,004 , respectively. The Company recognized a total income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense of $27,634 , $24,816 and $22,368 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The company issues new shares upon exercise of option rights, granting of restricted stock and vesting of RSUs. 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: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 1.37% 1.47% 1.37% Expected life of option rights 5.05 years 5.10 years 5.10 years Expected dividend yield of stock 1.13% 1.19% 1.32% Expected volatility of stock .245 .223 .281 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 2.00 percent to the 2015 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 and key employees under the 2006 Employee Plan and the 2003 Stock 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 $39,703 at December 31, 2015 . 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 1.09 years. The weighted-average per share grant date fair value of options granted during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, was $50.73 , $43.11 and $41.91 . The total intrinsic value of exercised option rights for employees was $223,417 , $195,097 and $129,742 . The total fair value of options vested during the year was $32,655 , $32,313 and $28,658 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. There were no outstanding option rights for nonemployee directors for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . A summary of the Company’s non-qualified and incentive stock option right activity is shown in the following table: 2015 2014 2013 Optioned Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Optioned Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Optioned Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding beginning of year 5,699,892 $ 117.31 6,484,592 $ 96.25 6,748,126 $ 79.39 Granted 697,423 241.84 672,565 224.65 898,728 179.67 Exercised (1,133,287 ) 79.41 (1,421,045 ) 70.71 (1,127,942 ) 61.46 Forfeited (43,632 ) 193.60 (31,617 ) 158.92 (33,278 ) 115.24 Expired (890 ) 87.59 (4,603 ) 86.66 (1,042 ) 79.73 Outstanding end of year 5,219,506 $ 141.58 $ 616,866 5,699,892 $ 117.31 $ 830,647 6,484,592 $ 96.25 $ 563,554 Exercisable at end of year 3,807,351 $ 110.96 $ 565,934 4,095,246 $ 87.79 $ 717,691 4,424,674 $ 71.86 $ 492,689 The weighted-average remaining term for options outstanding at the end of 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, was 6.44 , 6.57 and 6.75 years. The weighted-average remaining term for options exercisable at the end of 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, was 5.47 , 5.63 and 5.71 years. Shares reserved for future grants of option rights, restricted stock and RSUs were 3,605,437 , 4,604,924 and 5,636,618 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Restricted stock and RSUs. Grants of restricted stock and RSUs, 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 grants consisted of a combination of performance-based awards and 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 and RSUs to eligible employees amounted to $46,947 at December 31, 2015 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 0.97 years. Grants of restricted stock and RSUs have been awarded to nonemployee directors under the Nonemployee 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 and RSUs to nonemployee directors amounted to $1,463 at December 31, 2015 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 0.97 years. A summary of the Company’s restricted stock and RSU activity for the years ended December 31 is shown in the following table: 2015 2014 2013 Outstanding at beginning of year 655,276 749,382 919,748 Granted 112,494 201,412 172,406 Vested (290,901 ) (294,438 ) (334,750 ) Forfeited (9,125 ) (1,080 ) (8,022 ) Outstanding at end of year 467,744 655,276 749,382 The weighted-average per share fair value of restricted stock and RSUs granted during the year was $285.88 , $191.60 and $163.63 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Other

Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
OTHER	OTHER Other general expense - net . Included in Other general expense - net were the following: 2015 2014 2013 Provisions for environmental matters - net $ 31,071 $ 36,046 $ (2,751 ) (Gain) loss on disposition of (803 ) 1,436 5,207 Net expense of exit or disposal 63 Total $ 30,268 $ 37,482 $ 2,519 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 (gain) loss on disposition of assets represents the net realized (gain) loss 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 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: 2015 2014 2013 Dividend and royalty income $ (3,668 ) $ (4,864 ) $ (5,904 ) Net expense from financing activities 11,091 11,367 9,829 Foreign currency transaction 9,503 3,603 7,669 Other income (23,880 ) (37,524 ) (22,684 ) Other expense 13,036 12,018 12,026 Total $ 6,082 $ (15,400 ) $ 936 The Net expense from financing activities includes the net expense relating to changes in the Company’s financing fees. Foreign currency transaction related losses represent net realized losses on U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and net realized and unrealized losses from foreign currency option and forward contracts. There were no material foreign currency option and forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Other income and Other expense included items of revenue, gains, expenses and losses that were unrelated to the primary business purpose of the Company. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2014 included a $6,336 gain on the early termination of a customer agreement recorded in the Global Finishes Group and a $6,198 realized gain resulting from final asset valuations related to the acquisition of the U.S./Canada business of Comex recorded in the Administrative segment. There were no other items within Other income or Other expense that were individually significant.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Deferred tax assets: Exit costs, environ-mental and other similar items $ 63,851 $ 56,441 $ 45,322 Employee related and benefit items 141,974 141,670 109,254 Other items 116,302 112,149 105,904 Total deferred tax assets 322,127 310,260 260,480 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization 241,101 227,765 214,696 LIFO inventories 89,330 67,835 60,122 Other items 33,433 44,378 68,709 Total deferred tax liabilities 363,864 339,978 343,527 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 41,737 $ 29,718 $ 83,047 Netted against the Company’s other deferred tax assets were valuation allowances of $1,077 , $1,725 and $7,390 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 $28,865 of domestic net operating loss carryforwards acquired through acquisitions that have expiration dates through the tax year 2037 and foreign net operating losses of $74,487 . 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 2016 to 2035. Significant components of the provisions for income taxes were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 399,677 $ 308,283 $ 229,997 Foreign 30,145 53,045 42,543 State and local 60,319 50,049 33,082 Total current 490,141 411,377 305,622 Deferred: Federal 13,505 (14,974 ) 30,384 Foreign (10,752 ) (7,361 ) (9,041 ) State and local 2,223 3,297 6,432 Total deferred 4,976 (19,038 ) 27,775 Total provisions for income taxes $ 495,117 $ 392,339 $ 333,397 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 $(5,895) in 2015 , $(1,887) in 2014 and $4,411 in 2013 . Significant components of income before income taxes as used for income tax purposes, were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 1,440,511 $ 1,113,528 $ 969,790 Foreign 108,455 144,698 116,168 $ 1,548,966 $ 1,258,226 $ 1,085,958 A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate follows: 2015 2014 2013 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Effect of: State and local income taxes 2.6 2.8 2.4 Investment vehicles (1.6 ) (2.5 ) (2.1 ) Domestic production activities (2.2 ) (2.5 ) (2.2 ) Other - net (1.8 ) (1.6 ) (2.4 ) Effective tax rate 32.0 % 31.2 % 30.7 % The 2015 state and local income taxes and domestic production activities components of the effective tax rate were consistent with the 2014 tax year. The tax benefit related to investment vehicles decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 due to a smaller increase in the percentage of tax credits recognized compared to the overall percentage increase in the Company's income before taxes and a smaller favorable impact on the Company's capital position in these investments in 2015 compared to 2014. The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The IRS completed examinations of the Company's U.S. income tax returns for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 tax years during 2015. The net impact of the settlement of the examinations was insignificant. As of December 31, 2015, there were no income tax examinations being conducted by the IRS, however, the statute of limitations has not expired for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 tax years. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company is subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations for the tax years of 2008 through 2015. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2005 through 2015. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 31,560 $ 30,997 $ 28,119 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 4,228 3,370 3,480 Additions for tax positions of prior years 8,450 4,428 5,059 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (4,862 ) (2,349 ) (3,378 ) Settlements (968 ) (4,089 ) (103 ) Lapses of Statutes of Limitations (4,535 ) (797 ) (2,180 ) Balance at end of year $ 33,873 $ 31,560 $ 30,997 Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is $30,007 , $28,208 and $27,767 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, 2015 is $3,509 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 and expiring statutes in foreign and state jurisdictions. The Company classifies all income tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , there was an increase in income tax interest and penalties of $2,918 , $2,144 and $103 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company accrued $8,550 , $5,732 and $6,246 , respectively, for the potential payment of interest and penalties.

Net Income Per Common Share

Net Income Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE	NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE 2015 2014 2013 Basic Average common shares outstanding 92,197,207 96,190,101 100,897,512 Net income $ 1,053,849 $ 865,887 $ 752,561 Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares (4,462 ) (4,892 ) (4,596 ) Net income allocated to common shares $ 1,049,387 $ 860,995 $ 747,965 Net income per common share $ 11.38 $ 8.95 $ 7.41 Diluted Average common shares outstanding 92,197,207 96,190,101 100,897,512 Stock options and other contingently issuable shares (a) 1,826,885 1,885,334 2,151,359 Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution 94,024,092 98,075,435 103,048,871 Net income $ 1,053,849 $ 865,887 $ 752,561 Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares assuming dilution (4,386 ) (4,804 ) (4,509 ) Net income allocated to common shares assuming dilution $ 1,049,463 $ 861,083 $ 748,052 Net income per common share $ 11.16 $ 8.78 $ 7.26 (a) Stock options and other contingently issuable shares excludes 34,463 , 608,477 and 842,354 shares at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 of

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) 2015 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Full Year Net sales $ 2,450,284 $ 3,132,139 $ 3,152,285 $ 2,604,596 $ 11,339,304 Gross profit 1,132,449 1,529,986 1,574,552 1,322,239 5,559,226 Net income 131,404 349,937 374,491 198,017 1,053,849 Net income per common share - basic 1.41 3.78 4.04 2.15 11.38 Net income per common share - diluted 1.38 3.70 3.97 2.12 11.16 2014 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Full Year Net sales $ 2,366,556 $ 3,042,995 $ 3,150,570 $ 2,569,412 $ 11,129,533 Gross profit 1,065,901 1,409,653 1,470,955 1,217,975 5,164,484 Net income 115,457 291,447 326,240 132,743 865,887 Net income per common share - basic 1.16 3.00 3.42 1.40 8.95 Net income per common share - diluted 1.14 2.94 3.35 1.37 8.78

Operating Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 $394,359 , $376,914 and $327,592 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 $55,890 , $52,379 and $44,084 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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, 2015 : 2016 $ 317,843 2017 275,411 2018 226,317 2019 179,874 2020 138,204 Later years 282,900 Total minimum lease payments $ 1,420,549

Reportable Segment Information

Reportable Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 8 through 17 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 4,086 company-operated specialty paint stores in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Curacao, Aruba and St. Lucia at December 31, 2015 . 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 select purchased associated products. The loss of any single customer would not have a material adverse effect on the business of this segment. During 2015 , this segment opened 83 net new stores, consisting of 113 new stores opened ( 99 in the United States, 12 in Canada, 1 in Puerto Rico and 1 in Trinidad and Tobago) and 30 stores closed ( 25 in the United States and 5 in Canada). In 2014 and 2013 , this segment opened or acquired 95 and 388 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 63 percent of the total sales of the Consumer Group in 2015 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 at sites currently in operation. The CODM uses discrete financial information about the Consumer Group, supplemented with information by product type and customer type, 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 296 company-operated branches and by a direct sales staff and outside sales representatives to retailers, dealers, jobbers, licensees and other third-party distributors. During 2015 , this segment opened 3 new branches ( 2 in Canada and 1 in Mexico) and closed 7 branches ( 5 in the United States and 2 in Chile) for a net decrease of 4 branches. At December 31, 2015 , the Global Finishes Group consisted of operations in the United States, subsidiaries in 35 foreign countries and income from licensing agreements in 15 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 291 company-operated stores and by a direct sales staff and outside sales representatives to retailers, dealers, licensees and other third-party distributors. During 2015 , this segment opened 17 new stores ( 11 in South America and 6 in Mexico) and closed 2 stores ( 1 in South America and 1 in Mexico) for a net increase of 15 stores. At December 31, 2015 , 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 $1,788,955 , $2,203,804 and $2,129,626 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Segment profit of all consolidated foreign subsidiaries was $75,773 , $115,629 and $106,166 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Net external sales and segment profit were adversely affected by unfavorable currency translation rate changes. In addition, 2013 segment profit included Brazil tax assessments. 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 $3,132,981 , $3,139,272 and, $3,223,790 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Long-lived assets of consolidated foreign subsidiaries totaled $497,528 , $551,364 and $648,908 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Total Assets of the Company were $5,791,855 , $5,706,052 and $6,382,507 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Total assets of consolidated foreign subsidiaries were $1,172,064 , $1,359,991 and $1,625,422 , which represented 20.2 percent , 23.8 percent and 25.5 percent of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 primarily accounted for at the approximate fully absorbed manufactured cost, based on normal capacity volumes, plus customary distribution costs for paint products. Non-paint domestic and all international intersegment transfers were accounted for at values comparable to normal unaffiliated customer sales. All intersegment transfers are eliminated within the Administrative segment. (millions of dollars) 2015 Paint Stores Group Consumer Group Global Finishes Group Latin America Coatings Group Administrative Consolidated Totals Net external sales $ 7,209 $ 1,578 $ 1,916 $ 631 $ 5 $ 11,339 Intersegment transfers 2,736 5 40 (2,781 ) Total net sales and intersegment transfers $ 7,209 $ 4,314 $ 1,921 $ 671 $ (2,776 ) $ 11,339 Segment profit $ 1,434 $ 309 $ 202 $ 18 $ 1,963 Interest expense $ (62 ) (62 ) Administrative expenses and other (352 ) (352 ) Income before income taxes $ 1,434 $ 309 $ 202 $ 18 $ (414 ) $ 1,549 Reportable segment margins 19.9 % 7.2 % 10.5 % 2.7 % Identifiable assets $ 1,685 $ 1,925 $ 814 $ 352 $ 1,016 $ 5,792 Capital expenditures 119 61 21 14 19 234 Depreciation 64 47 25 8 26 170 2014 Paint Stores Group Consumer Group Global Finishes Group Latin America Coatings Group Administrative Consolidated Totals Net external sales $ 6,852 $ 1,421 $ 2,081 $ 771 $ 5 $ 11,130 Intersegment transfers 2,745 8 40 (2,793 ) Total net sales and intersegment transfers $ 6,852 $ 4,166 $ 2,089 $ 811 $ (2,788 ) $ 11,130 Segment profit $ 1,201 $ 253 $ 201 $ 40 $ 1,695 Interest expense $ (64 ) (64 ) Administrative expenses and other (373 ) (373 ) Income before income taxes $ 1,201 $ 253 $ 201 $ 40 $ (437 ) $ 1,258 Reportable segment margins 17.5 % 6.1 % 9.6 % 4.9 % Identifiable assets $ 1,602 $ 1,883 $ 874 $ 427 $ 920 $ 5,706 Capital expenditures 87 45 16 8 45 201 Depreciation 58 48 28 9 26 169 2013 Paint Stores Group Consumer Group Global Finishes Group Latin America Coatings Group Administrative Consolidated Totals 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 intersegment transfers $ 6,002 $ 3,751 $ 2,014 $ 871 $ (2,452 ) $ 10,186 Segment profit $ 991 $ 242 $ 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

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Schedule II)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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) 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 53,770 $ 54,460 $ 47,667 Amount acquired through acquisitions 896 Bad debt expense 30,393 34,810 31,192 Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries (34,743 ) (35,500 ) (25,295 ) Ending balance $ 49,420 $ 53,770 $ 54,460

Significant Accounting Polici28

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 and Cash equivalents	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: 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 47 .
Non-traded investments	Non-traded investments: The Company has investments in the U.S. affordable housing and historic renovation real estate markets and certain other investments that 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.
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 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Deferred compensation plan asset (a) $ 23,662 $ 2,295 $ 21,367 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan liability (b) $ 35,150 $ 35,150 (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 $24,585 . (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.
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 $49,420 , $53,770 and $54,460 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 $91,217 , $90,712 and $97,523 at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 – 19 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. During 2014, the Company redeemed all remaining preferred shares for cash. 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, 2015 , the ending balance of Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation of $482,629 , net prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $104,346 and unrealized net losses on marketable equity securities of $120 . At December 31, 2014 and 2013 , the ending balance of Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation of $354,384 and $250,943 , respectively, net prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $118,167 and $70,611 , respectively, and unrealized gains on marketable equity securities of $593 and $510 , 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 $338,188 , $299,201 and $262,492 in advertising costs during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects," which allows companies to elect to use the proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, which replaces the effective yield method, the cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received to income tax expense. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-01 did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which eliminates the requirement for separate presentation of current and noncurrent portions of deferred tax. All deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities will be presented as non-current on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Either retrospective or prospective presentation can be used. The company will adopt ASU No. 2015-17 as required. The ASU will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which requires companies to present debt issuance costs associated with a debt liability as a deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability on the balance sheet rather than being capitalized as an asset. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and retrospective presentation is required. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2015-03 as required. The ASU will not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue Recognition - Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The issuance of ASU No. 2015-14 in August 2015 delays the effective date of the standard to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard.
Reclassifications	Reclassification. Certain amounts in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for 2013 and 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation.
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.

Significant Accounting Polici29

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Carrying amount and fair value of debt	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, 2015 2014 2013 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Publicly traded debt $ 1,918,568 $ 1,960,169 $ 1,120,924 $ 1,160,280 $ 1,620,646 $ 1,614,739 Non-traded debt 4,782 4,555 5,056 4,812 4,675 4,430
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 Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Deferred compensation plan asset (a) $ 23,662 $ 2,295 $ 21,367 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan liability (b) $ 35,150 $ 35,150 (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 $24,585 . (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.
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 – 19 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , including customer satisfaction settlements during the year, were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1 $ 27,723 $ 26,755 $ 22,710 Charges to expense 43,484 37,879 33,265 Settlements (39,329 ) (36,911 ) (29,220 ) Balance at December 31 $ 31,878 $ 27,723 $ 26,755

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	2015 2014 2013 Percentage of total inventories on LIFO 78 % 76 % 75 % Excess of FIFO over LIFO $ 251,060 $ 331,867 $ 337,214 Increase in net 49,658 3,230 12,299 Increase in net .53 .03 .12

Goodwill, Intangible and Long31

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 Group Consumer Group Global Finishes Group Latin America Coatings Group Consolidated Totals Balance at January 1, 2013 (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 Currency and other adjustments (1,866 ) (1,145 ) (17,287 ) (43 ) (20,341 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (a) 285,434 702,206 161,011 9,695 1,158,346 Currency and other adjustments (28 ) (1,135 ) (13,801 ) (49 ) (15,013 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 (a) $ 285,406 $ 701,071 $ 147,210 $ 9,646 $ 1,143,333 (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 with indefinite lives Total intangible assets Software All other Subtotal December 31, 2015 Weighted-average amortization period 8 years 12 years 11 years Gross $ 123,863 $ 312,119 $ 435,982 Accumulated amortization (95,008 ) (228,921 ) (323,929 ) Net value $ 28,855 $ 83,198 $ 112,053 $ 143,318 $ 255,371 December 31, 2014 Weighted-average amortization period 8 years 12 years 11 years Gross $ 126,258 $ 317,005 $ 443,263 Accumulated amortization (88,384 ) (215,518 ) (303,902 ) Net value $ 37,874 $ 101,487 $ 139,361 $ 149,766 $ 289,127 December 31, 2013 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

Exit or Disposal Activities (Ta

Exit or Disposal Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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: (Thousands of dollars) Balance at December 31, 2014 Provisions in Actual Balance at December 31, 2015 Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2015: Other qualified exit costs $ 168 $ (156 ) $ 12 Global Finishes Group stores shutdown in 2015: Severance and related costs 1,341 (245 ) 1,096 Other qualified exit costs 6,988 (4,238 ) 2,750 Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2014: Other qualified exit costs $ 280 142 (238 ) 184 Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2014: Severance and related costs 2,732 466 (2,753 ) 445 Other qualified exit costs 781 6 (735 ) 52 Global Finishes Group exit of business in 2014: Severance and related costs 104 326 430 Other qualified exit costs 1,080 324 (1,051 ) 353 Paint Stores Group facility shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs 654 (654 ) Other qualified exit costs 1,205 (411 ) 794 Global Finishes Group stores shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs 28 (28 ) Other qualified exit costs 138 (138 ) Severance and other qualified exit costs for facilities shutdown prior to 2013 1,514 (553 ) 961 Totals $ 8,516 $ 9,761 $ (11,200 ) $ 7,077 Exit Plan Balance at December 31, 2013 Provisions in Actual Balance at December 31, 2014 Paint Stores Group stores shutdown in 2014: Other qualified exit costs $ 280 $ 280 Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2014: Severance and related costs 4,028 $ (1,296 ) 2,732 Other qualified exit costs 781 781 Global Finishes Group exit of business in 2014: Severance and related costs 2,500 (2,396 ) 104 Other qualified exit costs 2,267 (1,187 ) 1,080 Paint Stores Group facility shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs $ 977 2,126 (2,449 ) 654 Other qualified exit costs 1,499 (294 ) 1,205 Consumer Group facilities shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs 598 97 (695 ) Global Finishes Group stores shutdown in 2013: Severance and related costs 33 (5 ) 28 Other qualified exit costs 220 (82 ) 138 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 244 (51 ) 193 Global Finishes Group facilities shutdown in 2012: Severance and related costs 2,177 (1,863 ) 314 Other qualified exit costs 83 83 Other qualified exit costs for facilities shutdown prior to 2012 1,365 (441 ) 924 Totals $ 5,820 $ 13,578 $ (10,882 ) $ 8,516 Exit Plan Balance at December 31, 2012 Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A Actual expenditures charged to accrual Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net Balance at December 31, 2013 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 shutdown prior to 2011 2,288 (955 ) (36 ) 1,297 Totals $ 8,557 $ 4,619 $ (7,419 ) $ 63 $ 5,820

Pension, Health Care and Post33

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Net pension costs: Service costs $ 21,120 $ 21,342 $ 23,176 $ 5,071 $ 5,261 $ 5,039 Interest costs 24,535 26,266 18,444 8,719 10,422 7,940 Expected returns on plan assets (52,095 ) (51,293 ) (42,937 ) (9,296 ) (10,836 ) (7,487 ) Amortization of prior service costs 1,310 1,837 1,823 Amortization of actuarial losses 1,962 13,147 1,910 1,413 1,716 Ongoing pension (credits) costs (3,168 ) (1,848 ) 13,653 6,404 6,260 7,208 Settlement costs (credits) 3,255 (3,422 ) (220 ) Net pension (credits) costs (3,168 ) (1,848 ) 13,653 9,659 2,838 6,988 Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes): Net actuarial losses (gains) arising during the year 15,359 47,785 (90,669 ) 1,907 21,792 (5,487 ) Prior service costs during the year 2,242 1,756 Amortization of prior service costs (1,310 ) (1,837 ) (1,823 ) Amortization of actuarial losses (1,962 ) (13,147 ) (1,910 ) (1,413 ) (1,716 ) Exchange rate (loss) gain recognized during year (5,830 ) (7,988 ) 819 Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss 12,087 48,190 (103,883 ) (5,833 ) 12,391 (6,384 ) Total recognized in net pension costs (credits) and Cumulative other comprehensive loss $ 8,919 $ 46,342 $ (90,230 ) $ 3,826 $ 15,229 $ 604
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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Fair Value at December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Investments at fair value: Short-term investments (a) $ 13,475 $ 13,475 Equity investments (b) 688,799 $ 372,033 316,766 Fixed income investments (c) 290,470 141,448 149,022 Other assets (d) 28,200 16,361 $ 11,839 $ 1,020,944 $ 513,481 $ 495,624 $ 11,839 Fair Value at December 31, 2014 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Investments at fair value: Short-term investments (a) $ 14,846 $ 14,846 Equity investments (b) 739,358 $ 404,542 334,816 Fixed income investments (c) 285,042 141,529 143,513 Other assets (d) 44,470 28,436 $ 16,034 $ 1,083,716 $ 546,071 $ 521,611 $ 16,034 Fair Value at December 31, 2013 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (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 (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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Balance at December 31, 2014 Dispositions Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Balance at December 31, 2015 Other assets $ 16,034 $ (5,928 ) $ 1,733 $ 11,839 Balance at December 31, 2013 Dispositions Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Balance at December 31, 2014 Other assets $ 17,941 $ (4,320 ) $ 2,413 $ 16,034 Balance at January 1, 2013 Dispositions Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Balance at December 31, 2013 Other assets $ 18,850 $ (4,068 ) $ 3,159 $ 17,941
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 Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Accumulated benefit obligations at end of year $ 621,873 $ 648,480 $ 577,736 $ 172,426 $ 203,610 $ 187,670 Projected benefit obligations: Balances at beginning of year $ 653,338 $ 582,036 $ 466,827 $ 234,524 $ 222,996 $ 168,758 Service costs 21,120 21,342 23,176 5,071 5,261 5,039 Interest costs 24,535 26,266 18,444 8,719 10,422 7,940 Actuarial (gains) losses (40,602 ) 68,748 (5,488 ) (3,045 ) 32,551 5,939 Acquisitions of businesses and other 2,242 113,174 1,072 (6,692 ) 39,622 Settlements (18,707 ) (3,370 ) Effect of foreign exchange (17,211 ) (18,987 ) 1,549 Benefits paid (33,600 ) (47,296 ) (34,097 ) (8,569 ) (7,657 ) (5,851 ) Balances at end of year 624,791 653,338 582,036 201,854 234,524 222,996 Plan assets: Balances at beginning of year 896,071 870,386 703,563 187,645 184,963 133,013 Actual returns on plan assets (3,866 ) 72,256 128,117 4,844 20,240 20,316 Acquisitions of businesses and other 725 72,803 11,424 7,328 36,106 Settlements (18,707 ) (3,370 ) Effect of foreign exchange (14,298 ) (13,859 ) 1,379 Benefits paid (33,600 ) (47,296 ) (34,097 ) (8,569 ) (7,657 ) (5,851 ) Balances at end of year 858,605 896,071 870,386 162,339 187,645 184,963 Excess (deficient) plan assets over projected benefit obligations $ 233,814 $ 242,733 $ 288,350 $ (39,515 ) $ (46,879 ) $ (38,033 ) Assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Deferred pension assets $ 233,814 $ 242,733 $ 288,350 $ 11,068 $ 7,411 $ 14,096 Other accruals (1,442 ) (810 ) (1,126 ) Other long-term liabilities (49,141 ) (53,480 ) (51,003 ) $ 233,814 $ 242,733 $ 288,350 $ (39,515 ) $ (46,879 ) $ (38,033 ) Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial losses $ (120,454 ) $ (107,057 ) $ (59,272 ) $ (41,741 ) $ (47,574 ) $ (35,183 ) Prior service costs (5,138 ) (6,448 ) (6,043 ) $ (125,592 ) $ (113,505 ) $ (65,315 ) $ (41,741 ) $ (47,574 ) $ (35,183 ) Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.40 % 3.95 % 4.65 % 4.20 % 3.92 % 4.89 % Rate of compensation increase 3.14 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 3.70 % 4.31 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net pension costs: Discount rate 3.95 % 4.65 % 3.73 % 3.92 % 4.89 % 4.58 % Expected long-term rate of return on assets 6.00 % 6.00 % 6.00 % 4.84 % 5.58 % 5.67 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 3.70 % 4.31 % 4.08 %
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 2015 2014 2013 Benefit obligation: Balance at beginning of year - unfunded $ 295,149 $ 286,651 $ 338,134 Service cost 2,485 2,434 3,061 Interest cost 11,182 12,782 12,183 Actuarial (gain) loss (19,370 ) 27,757 (50,593 ) Plan amendments (9,269 ) (19,043 ) (2,503 ) Benefits paid (16,794 ) (15,432 ) (13,631 ) Balance at end of year - unfunded $ 263,383 $ 295,149 $ 286,651 Liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Postretirement benefits other than pensions $ (248,523 ) $ (277,892 ) $ (268,874 ) Other accruals (14,860 ) (17,257 ) (17,777 ) $ (263,383 ) $ (295,149 ) $ (286,651 ) Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss: Net actuarial losses $ (15,664 ) $ (36,044 ) $ (8,287 ) Prior service credits 25,784 21,043 2,503 $ 10,120 $ (15,001 ) $ (5,784 ) Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation: Discount rate 4.30 % 3.90 % 4.60 % Health care cost trend rate - pre-65 6.00 % 7.00 % 7.50 % Health care cost trend rate - post-65 5.00 % 6.50 % 6.50 % Prescription drug cost increases 11.50 % 6.50 % 7.00 % Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) trend rate 11.50 % 8.00 % Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 3.90 % 4.60 % 3.70 % Health care cost trend rate - pre-65 7.00 % 7.50 % 8.00 % Health care cost trend rate - post-65 6.50 % 6.50 % 8.00 % Prescription drug cost increases 6.50 % 7.00 % 8.00 %
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 2015 2014 2013 Net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 2,485 $ 2,434 $ 3,061 Interest cost 11,182 12,782 12,183 Amortization of actuarial losses 1,011 3,934 Amortization of prior service credit (4,529 ) (503 ) (328 ) Net periodic benefit cost 10,149 14,713 18,850 Other changes in projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes): Net actuarial (gain) loss (19,370 ) 27,757 (50,593 ) Prior service credit arising during the year (9,269 ) (19,043 ) (2,503 ) Amortization of actuarial losses (1,011 ) (3,934 ) Amortization of prior service credit 4,529 503 328 Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (25,121 ) 9,217 (56,702 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and Cumulative other comprehensive loss $ (14,972 ) $ 23,930 $ (37,852 )
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, 2015 : One-Percentage Point Increase (Decrease) Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 26 $ (70 ) Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation $ 1,667 $ (2,483 )
Retiree health care benefit cash payments	The Company expects to make retiree health care benefit cash payments as follows: Expected Cash Payments 2016 $ 14,860 2017 15,856 2018 16,816 2019 17,671 2020 18,294 2021 through 2025 94,114 Total expected benefit cash payments $ 177,611

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term debt Due Date 2015 2014 2013 1.35% Senior Notes 2017 $ 699,643 $ 699,460 $ 699,277 3.45% Senior Notes 2025 399,774 4.55% Senior Notes 2045 397,634 4.00% Senior Notes 2042 298,645 298,595 298,545 7.375% Debentures 2027 119,372 119,369 119,366 7.45% Debentures 2097 3,500 3,500 3,500 2.02% to 8.00% Promissory Notes Through 2029 1,628 1,791 1,685 $ 1,920,196 $ 1,122,715 $ 1,122,373

Capital Stock (Tables)

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Common Shares in Treasury Common Shares Outstanding Balance at January 1, 2013 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 Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised 7,229 (7,229 ) Shares issued for exercise of option rights 1,423,395 Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock 108,352 (108,352 ) Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock 191,979 Treasury stock purchased 6,925,000 (6,925,000 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 19,813,079 94,704,173 Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised 14,542 (14,542 ) Shares issued for exercise of option rights 1,133,050 Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock 111,433 (111,433 ) Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock 110,277 Treasury stock purchased 3,575,000 (3,575,000 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 23,514,054 92,246,525

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 1.37% 1.47% 1.37% Expected life of option rights 5.05 years 5.10 years 5.10 years Expected dividend yield of stock 1.13% 1.19% 1.32% Expected volatility of stock .245 .223 .281
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 is shown in the following table: 2015 2014 2013 Optioned Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Optioned Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Optioned Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding beginning of year 5,699,892 $ 117.31 6,484,592 $ 96.25 6,748,126 $ 79.39 Granted 697,423 241.84 672,565 224.65 898,728 179.67 Exercised (1,133,287 ) 79.41 (1,421,045 ) 70.71 (1,127,942 ) 61.46 Forfeited (43,632 ) 193.60 (31,617 ) 158.92 (33,278 ) 115.24 Expired (890 ) 87.59 (4,603 ) 86.66 (1,042 ) 79.73 Outstanding end of year 5,219,506 $ 141.58 $ 616,866 5,699,892 $ 117.31 $ 830,647 6,484,592 $ 96.25 $ 563,554 Exercisable at end of year 3,807,351 $ 110.96 $ 565,934 4,095,246 $ 87.79 $ 717,691 4,424,674 $ 71.86 $ 492,689
Summary of the company's restricted stock activity	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock and RSU activity for the years ended December 31 is shown in the following table: 2015 2014 2013 Outstanding at beginning of year 655,276 749,382 919,748 Granted 112,494 201,412 172,406 Vested (290,901 ) (294,438 ) (334,750 ) Forfeited (9,125 ) (1,080 ) (8,022 ) Outstanding at end of year 467,744 655,276 749,382

Other (Tables)

Other (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other general expense - net	Included in Other general expense - net were the following: 2015 2014 2013 Provisions for environmental matters - net $ 31,071 $ 36,046 $ (2,751 ) (Gain) loss on disposition of (803 ) 1,436 5,207 Net expense of exit or disposal 63 Total $ 30,268 $ 37,482 $ 2,519
Other expense (income) - net	Included in Other expense (income) - net were the following: 2015 2014 2013 Dividend and royalty income $ (3,668 ) $ (4,864 ) $ (5,904 ) Net expense from financing activities 11,091 11,367 9,829 Foreign currency transaction 9,503 3,603 7,669 Other income (23,880 ) (37,524 ) (22,684 ) Other expense 13,036 12,018 12,026 Total $ 6,082 $ (15,400 ) $ 936

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Deferred tax assets: Exit costs, environ-mental and other similar items $ 63,851 $ 56,441 $ 45,322 Employee related and benefit items 141,974 141,670 109,254 Other items 116,302 112,149 105,904 Total deferred tax assets 322,127 310,260 260,480 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization 241,101 227,765 214,696 LIFO inventories 89,330 67,835 60,122 Other items 33,433 44,378 68,709 Total deferred tax liabilities 363,864 339,978 343,527 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 41,737 $ 29,718 $ 83,047
Components of the provisions for income taxes	Significant components of the provisions for income taxes were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 399,677 $ 308,283 $ 229,997 Foreign 30,145 53,045 42,543 State and local 60,319 50,049 33,082 Total current 490,141 411,377 305,622 Deferred: Federal 13,505 (14,974 ) 30,384 Foreign (10,752 ) (7,361 ) (9,041 ) State and local 2,223 3,297 6,432 Total deferred 4,976 (19,038 ) 27,775 Total provisions for income taxes $ 495,117 $ 392,339 $ 333,397
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: 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 1,440,511 $ 1,113,528 $ 969,790 Foreign 108,455 144,698 116,168 $ 1,548,966 $ 1,258,226 $ 1,085,958
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: 2015 2014 2013 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Effect of: State and local income taxes 2.6 2.8 2.4 Investment vehicles (1.6 ) (2.5 ) (2.1 ) Domestic production activities (2.2 ) (2.5 ) (2.2 ) Other - net (1.8 ) (1.6 ) (2.4 ) Effective tax rate 32.0 % 31.2 % 30.7 %
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 31,560 $ 30,997 $ 28,119 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 4,228 3,370 3,480 Additions for tax positions of prior years 8,450 4,428 5,059 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (4,862 ) (2,349 ) (3,378 ) Settlements (968 ) (4,089 ) (103 ) Lapses of Statutes of Limitations (4,535 ) (797 ) (2,180 ) Balance at end of year $ 33,873 $ 31,560 $ 30,997

Net Income Per Common Share (Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of net income per common share	2015 2014 2013 Basic Average common shares outstanding 92,197,207 96,190,101 100,897,512 Net income $ 1,053,849 $ 865,887 $ 752,561 Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares (4,462 ) (4,892 ) (4,596 ) Net income allocated to common shares $ 1,049,387 $ 860,995 $ 747,965 Net income per common share $ 11.38 $ 8.95 $ 7.41 Diluted Average common shares outstanding 92,197,207 96,190,101 100,897,512 Stock options and other contingently issuable shares (a) 1,826,885 1,885,334 2,151,359 Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution 94,024,092 98,075,435 103,048,871 Net income $ 1,053,849 $ 865,887 $ 752,561 Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares assuming dilution (4,386 ) (4,804 ) (4,509 ) Net income allocated to common shares assuming dilution $ 1,049,463 $ 861,083 $ 748,052 Net income per common share $ 11.16 $ 8.78 $ 7.26 (a) Stock options and other contingently issuable shares excludes 34,463 , 608,477 and 842,354 shares at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Summary of Quarterly Results 40

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	2015 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Full Year Net sales $ 2,450,284 $ 3,132,139 $ 3,152,285 $ 2,604,596 $ 11,339,304 Gross profit 1,132,449 1,529,986 1,574,552 1,322,239 5,559,226 Net income 131,404 349,937 374,491 198,017 1,053,849 Net income per common share - basic 1.41 3.78 4.04 2.15 11.38 Net income per common share - diluted 1.38 3.70 3.97 2.12 11.16 2014 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Full Year Net sales $ 2,366,556 $ 3,042,995 $ 3,150,570 $ 2,569,412 $ 11,129,533 Gross profit 1,065,901 1,409,653 1,470,955 1,217,975 5,164,484 Net income 115,457 291,447 326,240 132,743 865,887 Net income per common share - basic 1.16 3.00 3.42 1.40 8.95 Net income per common share - diluted 1.14 2.94 3.35 1.37 8.78

Operating Leases (Tables)

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 : 2016 $ 317,843 2017 275,411 2018 226,317 2019 179,874 2020 138,204 Later years 282,900 Total minimum lease payments $ 1,420,549

Reportable Segment Information

Reportable Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable segment information	(millions of dollars) 2015 Paint Stores Group Consumer Group Global Finishes Group Latin America Coatings Group Administrative Consolidated Totals Net external sales $ 7,209 $ 1,578 $ 1,916 $ 631 $ 5 $ 11,339 Intersegment transfers 2,736 5 40 (2,781 ) Total net sales and intersegment transfers $ 7,209 $ 4,314 $ 1,921 $ 671 $ (2,776 ) $ 11,339 Segment profit $ 1,434 $ 309 $ 202 $ 18 $ 1,963 Interest expense $ (62 ) (62 ) Administrative expenses and other (352 ) (352 ) Income before income taxes $ 1,434 $ 309 $ 202 $ 18 $ (414 ) $ 1,549 Reportable segment margins 19.9 % 7.2 % 10.5 % 2.7 % Identifiable assets $ 1,685 $ 1,925 $ 814 $ 352 $ 1,016 $ 5,792 Capital expenditures 119 61 21 14 19 234 Depreciation 64 47 25 8 26 170 2014 Paint Stores Group Consumer Group Global Finishes Group Latin America Coatings Group Administrative Consolidated Totals Net external sales $ 6,852 $ 1,421 $ 2,081 $ 771 $ 5 $ 11,130 Intersegment transfers 2,745 8 40 (2,793 ) Total net sales and intersegment transfers $ 6,852 $ 4,166 $ 2,089 $ 811 $ (2,788 ) $ 11,130 Segment profit $ 1,201 $ 253 $ 201 $ 40 $ 1,695 Interest expense $ (64 ) (64 ) Administrative expenses and other (373 ) (373 ) Income before income taxes $ 1,201 $ 253 $ 201 $ 40 $ (437 ) $ 1,258 Reportable segment margins 17.5 % 6.1 % 9.6 % 4.9 % Identifiable assets $ 1,602 $ 1,883 $ 874 $ 427 $ 920 $ 5,706 Capital expenditures 87 45 16 8 45 201 Depreciation 58 48 28 9 26 169 2013 Paint Stores Group Consumer Group Global Finishes Group Latin America Coatings Group Administrative Consolidated Totals 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 intersegment transfers $ 6,002 $ 3,751 $ 2,014 $ 871 $ (2,452 ) $ 10,186 Segment profit $ 991 $ 242 $ 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

Significant Accounting Polici43

Significant Accounting Policies - Non-Traded Investments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Non Traded Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Carrying amount of the investments, included in other assets	$ 189,484	$ 223,935	$ 210,779
Liability for estimated future capital contributions to the investments	$ 172,899	$ 198,776	$ 198,761

Significant Accounting Polici44

Significant Accounting Policies - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Publicly Traded Debt [Member]
Financial Instruments
Carrying Amount	$ 1,918,568	$ 1,120,924	$ 1,620,646
Fair Value	1,960,169	1,160,280	1,614,739
Non-Traded Debt [Member]
Financial Instruments
Carrying Amount	4,782	5,056	4,675
Fair Value	$ 4,555	$ 4,812	$ 4,430

Significant Accounting Polici45

Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Measurements on Recurring Basis (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan asset	$ 2,295	[1]
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liability	35,150	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan asset	21,367	[1]
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Cost basis of the investment funds	24,585
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan asset	23,662	[1]
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liability	$ 35,150	[2]
[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 $24,585.
[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 Polici46

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights
Useful life (in years)	11 years	11 years	9 years
Finite-lived Trademarks [Member]
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Non-Compete Covenants [Member]
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights
Useful life (in years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Certain Intangible Property Rights [Member]
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights
Useful life (in years)	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Non-Compete Covenants [Member]
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Certain Intangible Property Rights [Member]
Amortization cost of non-compete covenants and certain intangible property rights
Useful life (in years)	19 years

Significant Accounting Polici47

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates
Annual depreciation rate on assets (percentage)	2.50%
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates
Annual depreciation rate on assets (percentage)	20.00%
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates
Annual depreciation rate on assets (percentage)	5.00%
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates
Annual depreciation rate on assets (percentage)	20.00%
Furniture and fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates
Annual depreciation rate on assets (percentage)	10.00%
Furniture and fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates
Annual depreciation rate on assets (percentage)	33.30%
Automobiles and trucks [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates
Annual depreciation rate on assets (percentage)	10.00%
Automobiles and trucks [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Classes of assets and ranges of annual depreciation rates
Annual depreciation rate on assets (percentage)	33.30%

Significant Accounting Polici48

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Company's accrual for product warranty claims
Balance at January 1	$ 27,723	$ 26,755	$ 22,710
Charges to expense	43,484	37,879	33,265
Settlements	(39,329)	(36,911)	(29,220)
Balance at December 31	$ 31,878	$ 27,723	$ 26,755

Significant Accounting Polici49

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)contract	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)contract	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)contract	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)contract
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of derivative contracts outstanding | contract	0	0	0	0
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 53,770	$ 49,420	$ 53,770	$ 54,460
Inventory valuation reserves	90,712	91,217	90,712	97,523
Accumulated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets	303,902	323,929	303,902	279,102
Amounts outstanding under standby letter of credit agreements	23,442	45,407	23,442	25,896
Cumulative other comprehensive loss included adjustments for foreign currency translation	354,384	482,629	354,384	250,943
Prior service costs and net actuarial losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans	118,167	104,346	118,167	70,611
Unrealized net gains (losses) on marketable equity securities and derivative instruments used in cash flow hedges	593	(120)	593	510
Research and development costs included in technical expenditures		57,667	50,019	47,042
Advertising cost		$ 338,188	299,201	$ 262,492
Titanium Dioxide Antitrust Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Settlement gain related to litigation settlement	$ 21,420		$ 21,420

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) - Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 16, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Recognized intangible assets		$ 4,696
Administrative [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Realized gain on final asset valuations	$ 6,198

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Impact on Net income of liquidations		$ 196	$ 169
Inventories
Percentage of total inventories on LIFO	78.00%	76.00%	75.00%
Excess of FIFO over LIFO	$ 251,060	$ 331,867	$ 337,214
Increase in net income due to LIFO	$ 49,658	$ 3,230	$ 12,299
Increase in net income per common share due to LIFO (in dollars per share)	$ 0.53	$ 0.03	$ 0.12

Goodwill, Intangible and Long52

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill recognized			$ 19,848,000
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0	0
Accumulated impairment	8,904,000
Additional Goodwill Intangible and Long Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2016	22,241,000
Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2017	16,825,000
Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2018	14,195,000
Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2019	11,131,000
Amortization of finite-lived Intangible assets for the year 2020	$ 10,951,000
Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Weighted average useful life of finite-lived intangible assets (in years)	7 years
Goodwill recognized		0	1,885,000
Global Finishes Group [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill recognized			17,963,000
Accumulated impairment	$ 791,000
Consumer Group [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Accumulated impairment	8,113,000
Customer Relationships [Member] | Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets				$ 3,311,000
Trademarks [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 0	0	0
Trademarks [Member] | Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets				$ 1,385,000
Trademarks [Member] | Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired		$ 0	$ 466,000

Goodwill, Intangible and Long53

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	$ 1,158,346	$ 1,178,687	$ 1,156,005
Acquisitions				19,848
Currency and other adjustments		(15,013)	(20,341)	2,834
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	1,143,333	1,158,346	1,178,687
Paint Stores Group [Member]
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	285,434	287,300	286,784
Acquisitions				1,885
Currency and other adjustments		(28)	(1,866)	(1,369)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	285,406	285,434	287,300
Consumer Group [Member]
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	702,206	703,351	706,292
Currency and other adjustments		(1,135)	(1,145)	(2,941)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	701,071	702,206	703,351
Global Finishes Group [Member]
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	161,011	178,298	152,287
Acquisitions				17,963
Currency and other adjustments		(13,801)	(17,287)	8,048
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	147,210	161,011	178,298
Latin America Coating Group [Member]
Carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	9,695	9,738	10,642
Currency and other adjustments		(49)	(43)	(904)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	$ 9,646	$ 9,695	$ 9,738
[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 Long54

Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Carrying value of intangible assets
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	11 years	11 years	9 years
Gross	$ 435,982	$ 443,263	$ 442,366
Accumulated amortization	(323,929)	(303,902)	(279,102)
Net value	112,053	139,361	163,264
Trademarks with indefinite lives	143,318	149,766	150,035
Total intangible assets	$ 255,371	$ 289,127	$ 313,299
Software [Member]
Carrying value of intangible assets
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	8 years	8 years	8 years
Gross	$ 123,863	$ 126,258	$ 114,404
Accumulated amortization	(95,008)	(88,384)	(77,018)
Net value	$ 28,855	$ 37,874	$ 37,386
All Other [Member]
Carrying value of intangible assets
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	12 years	12 years	10 years
Gross	$ 312,119	$ 317,005	$ 327,962
Accumulated amortization	(228,921)	(215,518)	(202,084)
Net value	$ 83,198	$ 101,487	$ 125,878

Exit or Disposal Activities (Te

Exit or Disposal Activities (Textuals) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)storebranch	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)facilitystore	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)facilitystore
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	$ 9,761	$ 13,578	$ 4,619
Number of facilities closed | facility		7	5
Stores and branches closed | store		24	16
Global Finishes Group [Member]
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Stores closed | branch	7
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	$ 8,329	$ 4,767	$ 278
Consumer Group [Member]
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A		4,809	598
Paint Stores Group [Member]
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Stores closed | store	30
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	$ 168	280	1,004
Latin America Coatings Group [Member]
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Stores closed | store	2
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A			123
Facilities Closed Down Prior to 2015 [Member]
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A	$ 1,264
Facilities Closed Down Prior to 2014 [Member]
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A		$ 3,722
Facilities Closed Down Prior to 2013 [Member]
Exit or Disposal Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Provisions in cost of goods sold or SG&A			$ 2,679

Exit or Disposal Activities (De

Exit or Disposal Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	$ 8,516	$ 5,820	$ 8,557
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	9,761	13,578	4,619
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(11,200)	(10,882)	(7,419)
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net			63
Ending Balance	7,077	8,516	5,820
Paint Stores Group [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	168	280	1,004
Consumer Group [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A		4,809	598
Global Finishes Group [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	8,329	4,767	278
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
Severance and related costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Facilities Shut Down in 2013 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	654	977
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A		2,126
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	$ (654)	(2,449)
Ending Balance		654	977
Severance and related costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Stores Shut Down in 2013 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance		977
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A			1,004
Actual expenditures charged to accrual			(27)
Ending Balance			977
Severance and related costs [Member] | Consumer Group [Member] | Facilities Shutdown in 2014 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	$ 2,732
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	466	4,028
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(2,753)	(1,296)
Ending Balance	$ 445	2,732
Severance and related costs [Member] | Consumer Group [Member] | Facilities Shut Down in 2013 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance		598
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A		97	598
Actual expenditures charged to accrual		$ (695)
Ending Balance			598
Severance and related costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Stores Shut Down in 2015 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	$ 1,341
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(245)
Ending Balance	1,096
Severance and related costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Exit of Business in 2014 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	104
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	326	$ 2,500
Actual expenditures charged to accrual		(2,396)
Ending Balance	430	104
Severance and related costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Stores Shut Down in 2013 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	28	33
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	$ (28)	(5)
Ending Balance		28	33
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
Beginning Balance		253
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A			278
Actual expenditures charged to accrual			(25)
Ending Balance			253
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	$ 314	2,177	2,236
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A			2,533
Actual expenditures charged to accrual		(1,863)	(2,592)
Ending Balance		314	2,177
Severance and related costs [Member] | Latin America Coatings Group [Member] | Facilities Shut Down in 2013 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance		123
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A			123
Actual expenditures charged to accrual		(123)
Ending Balance			123
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Facilities Shutdown Prior to 2013 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	1,514
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(553)
Ending Balance	961	1,514
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Facilities Shutdown Prior to 2012 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	$ 924	1,365
Actual expenditures charged to accrual		(441)
Ending Balance		924	1,365
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Facilities Shutdown Prior to 2011 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance		$ 1,297	2,288
Actual expenditures charged to accrual			(955)
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net			(36)
Ending Balance			1,297
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Stores Shut Down in 2015 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	$ 168
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(156)
Ending Balance	12
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Stores Shutdown In 2014 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	280
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	142	$ 280
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(238)
Ending Balance	184	280
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member] | Facilities Shut Down in 2013 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	1,205
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A		1,499
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(411)	(294)
Ending Balance	794	1,205
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	193	244	313
Actual expenditures charged to accrual		(51)	(68)
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net			(1)
Ending Balance		193	244
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Consumer Group [Member] | Facilities Shutdown in 2014 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	781
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	6	781
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(735)
Ending Balance	$ 52	$ 781
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Stores Shut Down in 2015 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	$ 6,988
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(4,238)
Ending Balance	2,750
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Exit of Business in 2014 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	1,080
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A	324	$ 2,267
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	(1,051)	(1,187)
Ending Balance	353	1,080
Other Qualified Exit Costs [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member] | Stores Shut Down in 2013 [Member]
Summary of activity and remaining liabilities associated with qualified exit costs
Beginning Balance	138	220
Actual expenditures charged to accrual	$ (138)	(82)
Ending Balance		138	220
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	$ 83	83	3,430
Provisions in Cost of goods sold or SG&A			83
Actual expenditures charged to accrual			(3,530)
Adjustments to prior provisions in Other general expense - net			100
Ending Balance		83	83
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		$ 68	290
Actual expenditures charged to accrual			(222)
Ending Balance			$ 68

Pension Health Care and Postret

Pension Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)pension_planemployeeshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)employee	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)employee	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
Health Care Plans [Abstract]
Number of active employees entitled to receive benefits under health care plans | employee	21,918	21,239	19,440
Cost of benefits includes claims incurred and claims incurred but not reported under health care plans	$ 217,781	$ 202,787	$ 174,588
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Number of domestic salaried defined benefit pension plan | pension_plan	1
Number of domestic hourly defined benefit pension plan | pension_plan	1
Number of foreign defined benefit pension plans | pension_plan	22
Fair value of plan assets	$ 1,020,944	$ 1,083,716	$ 1,055,349
Number of foreign defined benefit pension plans unfunded or underfunded | pension_plan	17
Expected cash payments, 2016	$ 14,860
Expected cash payments, 2017	15,856
Expected cash payments, 2018	16,816
Expected cash payments, 2019	17,671
Expected cash payments, 2020	18,294
Expected cash payments, 2021-2025	$ 94,114
Target allocation percentage of plan assets in equity securities, minimum	45.00%
Target allocation percentage of plan assets in equity securities, maximum	65.00%
Target allocation percentage of plan assets fixed income securities, minimum	30.00%
Target allocation percentage of plan assets fixed income securities, maximum	40.00%
Retired employees entitled to receive postretirement benefits | employee	4,442	4,443	4,419
Defined benefit plan ultimate health care cost trend rate and prescription drug cost increase rate (percentage)	4.50%
Year in which health care cost trend rate and prescription drug cost rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2,024
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 624,791	$ 653,338	$ 582,036	$ 466,827
Fair value of plan assets	858,605	896,071	870,386	703,563
Excess/(deficiency) of plan assets	233,814	242,733	288,350
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 621,873	648,480	577,736
Equity investment in domestic defined benefit pension plan assets (in shares) | shares	300,000
Market value of common shares invested in defined benefit pension plan assets	$ 77,880
Share equity investments in the domestic defined benefit pension plan assets (percentage)	9.10%
Dividends received on the common stock	$ 804
Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	201,854	234,524	222,996	168,758
Fair value of plan assets	162,339	187,645	184,963	133,013
Excess/(deficiency) of plan assets	(39,515)	(46,879)	(38,033)
Accumulated benefit obligation	172,426	203,610	187,670
Increase (decrease) in combined projected benefit obligations primarily due to changes in plan assumptions		(32,669)
Estimated future employer contributions	$ 4,405
Revised Domestic Salaried Plan After January 1, 2002 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Employee matching contribution (as a percentage)	2.00%
Revised Domestic Salaried Plan After January 1, 2002 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Employee matching contribution (as a percentage)	7.00%
Domestic salaried and hourly defined benefit pension plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 624,791	653,338	582,036
Fair value of plan assets	858,605	896,071	870,386
Excess/(deficiency) of plan assets	233,814	242,733	288,350
Unfunded or underfunded foreign defined benefit pension plans [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	131,293
Fair value of plan assets	80,710
Excess/(deficiency) of plan assets	(50,583)
Accumulated benefit obligation	102,468
Defined Benefit Pension [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Expected cash payments, 2016	52,635
Expected cash payments, 2017	53,374
Expected cash payments, 2018	54,088
Expected cash payments, 2019	54,356
Expected cash payments, 2020	55,359
Expected cash payments, 2021-2025	278,245
Amortization of actuarial losses	6,957
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1,205
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	263,383	295,149	286,651	$ 338,134
Amortization of actuarial losses	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	$ (6,579)
Canada [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Number of foreign defined benefit pension plans | pension_plan	3
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Contributions by company	$ 35,435	32,384	27,803
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Contributions by company (percentage)	2.00%
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Contributions by company (percentage)	7.00%
Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Pension Plans [Abstract]
Contributions by company	$ 5,888	$ 4,592	$ 1,428

Pension, Health Care and Post58

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets		$ 1,020,944		$ 1,083,716		$ 1,055,349
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets		513,481		546,071		547,097
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets		495,624		521,611		490,311
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets		11,839		16,034		17,941
Short-term Investments [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	13,475		14,846		15,055
Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[1]					1,941
Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	13,475		14,846		13,114
Equity investments [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	688,799		739,358		736,873
Equity investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	372,033		404,542		419,779
Equity investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	316,766		334,816		317,094
Fixed Income Investments [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	290,470		285,042		255,927
Fixed Income Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	141,448		141,529		125,377
Fixed Income Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	149,022		143,513		130,550
Other Assets [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	28,200		44,470		47,494
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	16,361		28,436		29,553
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets		11,839	[4]	16,034	[4]	17,941	[4]	$ 18,850
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Net pension costs:
Service costs		21,120		21,342		23,176
Interest costs		24,535		26,266		18,444
Expected returns on plan assets		(52,095)		(51,293)		(42,937)
Amortization of prior service costs		1,310		1,837		1,823
Amortization of actuarial losses		1,962				13,147
Ongoing pension (credits) costs		(3,168)		(1,848)		13,653
Net pension (credits) costs		(3,168)		(1,848)		13,653
Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):
Net actuarial losses (gains) arising during the year		15,359		47,785		(90,669)
Prior service costs during the year				2,242		1,756
Amortization of prior service costs		(1,310)		(1,837)		(1,823)
Amortization of actuarial losses		(1,962)				(13,147)
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss		12,087		48,190		(103,883)
Total recognized in net pension costs (credits) and Cumulative other comprehensive loss		8,919		46,342		(90,230)
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets		858,605		896,071		870,386		703,563
Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Net pension costs:
Service costs		5,071		5,261		5,039
Interest costs		8,719		10,422		7,940
Expected returns on plan assets		(9,296)		(10,836)		(7,487)
Amortization of actuarial losses		1,910		1,413		1,716
Ongoing pension (credits) costs		6,404		6,260		7,208
Settlement costs (credits)		3,255		(3,422)		(220)
Net pension (credits) costs		9,659		2,838		6,988
Other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):
Net actuarial losses (gains) arising during the year		1,907		21,792		(5,487)
Amortization of actuarial losses		(1,910)		(1,413)		(1,716)
Exchange rate (loss) gain recognized during year		(5,830)		(7,988)		819
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss		(5,833)		12,391		(6,384)
Total recognized in net pension costs (credits) and Cumulative other comprehensive loss		3,826		15,229		604
Investments at fair value:
Fair value of plan assets		$ 162,339		$ 187,645		$ 184,963		$ 133,013
[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 Post59

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3
Balances at beginning of year		$ 1,083,716		$ 1,055,349
Balances at end of year		1,020,944		1,083,716		$ 1,055,349
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3
Balances at beginning of year		16,034		17,941
Balances at end of year		11,839		16,034		17,941
Other Assets [Member]
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3
Balances at beginning of year	[1]	44,470		47,494
Balances at end of year	[1]	28,200		44,470		47,494
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Changes in fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets classified as level 3
Balances at beginning of year		16,034	[1]	17,941	[1]	18,850
Dispositions		(5,928)		(4,320)		(4,068)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains		1,733		2,413		3,159
Balances at end of year	[1]	$ 11,839		$ 16,034		$ 17,941
[1]	This category consists of venture capital funds.

Pension, Health Care and Post60

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Plan assets:
Balances at beginning of year	$ 1,083,716	$ 1,055,349
Balances at end of year	1,020,944	1,083,716	$ 1,055,349
Assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Deferred pension assets	244,882	250,144	302,446
Other accruals	(522,280)	(508,581)	(513,433)
Other long-term liabilities	(613,367)	(628,309)	(688,168)
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligations at end of year	621,873	648,480	577,736
Projected benefit obligations:
Balances at beginning of year	653,338	582,036	466,827
Service costs	21,120	21,342	23,176
Interest costs	24,535	26,266	18,444
Actuarial (gains) losses	(40,602)	68,748	(5,488)
Acquisitions of businesses and other		2,242	113,174
Benefits paid	(33,600)	(47,296)	(34,097)
Balances at end of year	624,791	653,338	582,036
Plan assets:
Balances at beginning of year	896,071	870,386	703,563
Actual returns on plan assets	(3,866)	72,256	128,117
Acquisitions of businesses and other		725	72,803
Benefits paid	(33,600)	(47,296)	(34,097)
Balances at end of year	858,605	896,071	870,386
Excess (deficient) plan assets over projected benefit obligations	233,814	242,733	288,350
Assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Deferred pension assets	233,814	$ 242,733	$ 288,350
Other long-term liabilities
Total	233,814	$ 242,733	$ 288,350
Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss:
Net actuarial losses	(120,454)	(107,057)	(59,272)
Prior service costs	(5,138)	(6,448)	(6,043)
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	$ (125,592)	$ (113,505)	$ (65,315)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligations:
Discount rate (percentage)	4.40%	3.95%	4.65%
Rate of compensation increase (percentage)	3.14%	4.00%	4.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net pension costs:
Discount rate (percentage)	3.95%	4.65%	3.73%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets (percentage)	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Rate of compensation increase (percentage)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligations at end of year	$ 172,426	$ 203,610	$ 187,670
Projected benefit obligations:
Balances at beginning of year	234,524	222,996	168,758
Service costs	5,071	5,261	5,039
Interest costs	8,719	10,422	7,940
Actuarial (gains) losses	(3,045)	32,551	5,939
Acquisitions of businesses and other	1,072	(6,692)	39,622
Settlements	(18,707)	(3,370)
Effect of foreign exchange	(17,211)	(18,987)	1,549
Benefits paid	(8,569)	(7,657)	(5,851)
Balances at end of year	201,854	234,524	222,996
Plan assets:
Balances at beginning of year	187,645	184,963	133,013
Actual returns on plan assets	4,844	20,240	20,316
Acquisitions of businesses and other	11,424	7,328	36,106
Settlements	(18,707)	(3,370)
Effect of foreign exchange	(14,298)	(13,859)	1,379
Benefits paid	(8,569)	(7,657)	(5,851)
Balances at end of year	162,339	187,645	184,963
Excess (deficient) plan assets over projected benefit obligations	(39,515)	(46,879)	(38,033)
Assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Deferred pension assets	11,068	7,411	14,096
Other accruals	(1,442)	(810)	(1,126)
Other long-term liabilities	(49,141)	(53,480)	(51,003)
Total	(39,515)	(46,879)	(38,033)
Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss:
Net actuarial losses	(41,741)	(47,574)	(35,183)
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	$ (41,741)	$ (47,574)	$ (35,183)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligations:
Discount rate (percentage)	4.20%	3.92%	4.89%
Rate of compensation increase (percentage)	4.00%	3.70%	4.31%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net pension costs:
Discount rate (percentage)	3.92%	4.89%	4.58%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets (percentage)	4.84%	5.58%	5.67%
Rate of compensation increase (percentage)	3.70%	4.31%	4.08%

Pension, Health Care and Post61

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	$ (248,523)	$ (277,892)	$ (268,874)
Other accruals	(522,280)	(508,581)	(513,433)
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions [Member]
Benefit obligation:
Balances at beginning of year	295,149	286,651	338,134
Service costs	2,485	2,434	3,061
Interest costs	11,182	12,782	12,183
Actuarial (gain) loss	(19,370)	27,757	(50,593)
Plan amendments	(9,269)	(19,043)	(2,503)
Benefits paid	(16,794)	(15,432)	(13,631)
Balances at end of year	263,383	295,149	286,651
Liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	(248,523)	(277,892)	(268,874)
Other accruals	(14,860)	(17,257)	(17,777)
Total	(263,383)	(295,149)	(286,651)
Amounts recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss:
Net actuarial losses	(15,664)	(36,044)	(8,287)
Prior service credits	25,784	21,043	2,503
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	$ 10,120	$ (15,001)	$ (5,784)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:
Discount rate (percentage)	4.30%	3.90%	4.60%
Health care cost trend rate - pre-65 (percentage)	6.00%	7.00%	7.50%
Health care cost trend rate - post-65 (percentage)	5.00%	6.50%	6.50%
Prescription drug cost increases (percentage)	11.50%	6.50%	7.00%
Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) trend rate (percentage)	11.50%	8.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate (percentage)	3.90%	4.60%	3.70%
Health care cost trend rate - pre-65 (percentage)	7.00%	7.50%	8.00%
Health care cost trend rate - post-65 (percentage)	6.50%	6.50%	8.00%
Prescription drug cost increases (percentage)	6.50%	7.00%	8.00%

Pension, Health Care and Post62

Pension, Health Care and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 4) - Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net pension costs:
Service costs	$ 2,485	$ 2,434	$ 3,061
Interest costs	11,182	12,782	12,183
Amortization of actuarial losses	1,011		3,934
Amortization of prior service credit	(4,529)	(503)	(328)
Net pension (credits) costs	10,149	14,713	18,850
Other changes in projected benefit obligation recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss (before taxes):
Net actuarial losses (gains) arising during the year	(19,370)	27,757	(50,593)
Prior service costs during the year	(9,269)	(19,043)	(2,503)
Amortization of actuarial losses	(1,011)		(3,934)
Amortization of prior service credit	4,529	503	328
Total recognized in Cumulative other comprehensive loss	(25,121)	9,217	(56,702)
Total recognized in net pension costs (credits) and Cumulative other comprehensive loss	$ (14,972)	$ 23,930	$ (37,852)

Pension Health Care And Postr63

Pension Health Care And Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Details 5) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Retiree health care benefit cash payments
2,016	$ 14,860
2,017	15,856
2,018	16,816
2,019	17,671
2,020	18,294
2021 through 2025	94,114
Total expected benefit cash payments	177,611
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
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	26
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, one-percentage-point, decrease	(70)
Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation one-percentage-point, increase	1,667
Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation one-percentage-point, decrease	$ (2,483)

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,920,196		$ 1,122,715	$ 1,122,373
1.35% Senior notes due 2017 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 699,643		699,460	699,277
Interest rate (percentage)	1.35%
3.45 % Senior notes due 2025 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 399,774
Interest rate (percentage)	3.45%	3.45%
4.55% Senior notes due 2045 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 397,634
Interest rate (percentage)	4.55%	4.55%
4.00% Senior notes due 2042 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 298,645		298,595	298,545
Interest rate (percentage)	4.00%
7.375% Debentures due 2027 [Member] | Debentures [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 119,372		119,369	119,366
Interest rate (percentage)	7.375%
7.45 % Debentures due 2097 [Member] | Debentures [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 3,500		3,500	3,500
Interest rate (percentage)	7.45%
2.02% to 8.00% Promissory Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,628		$ 1,791	$ 1,685
Minimum [Member] | 2.02% to 8.00% Promissory Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt
Interest rate (percentage)	2.02%
Maximum [Member] | 2.02% to 8.00% Promissory Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt
Interest rate (percentage)	8.00%

Debt (Details Textual)

Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 28, 2015
Additional Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturities of long-term debt 2016	$ 3,154,000
Maturities of long-term debt 2017	700,665,000
Maturities of long-term debt 2018	153,000
Maturities of long-term debt 2019	156,000
Maturities of long-term debt 2020	159,000
Interest expense on long-term debt	$ 54,634,000	$ 56,408,000	$ 57,949,000
3.45 % Senior notes due 2025 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Face amount				$ 400,000,000
Interest rate (percentage)	3.45%			3.45%
4.55% Senior notes due 2045 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Face amount				$ 400,000,000
Interest rate (percentage)	4.55%			4.55%

Debt (Details Textual 1)

Debt (Details Textual 1) € in Thousands, CAD in Thousands	Jul. 16, 2015USD ($)subsidiaryoption	Nov. 14, 2012USD ($)	Apr. 23, 2012USD ($)	Jan. 30, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Mar. 18, 2013CAD	Sep. 19, 2012EUR (€)	Jul. 08, 2011USD ($)
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Short-term borrowing outstanding					$ 39,462,000	$ 679,436,000	$ 96,551,000
Long-term borrowing outstanding					0	0	$ 0
Five Year Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity										$ 1,050,000,000
Three year credit agreement [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Term (in years)		3 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 250,000,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of subsidiaries | subsidiary	3
Term (in years)	5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,350,000,000
Number of extension options | option	2
Term of extension options (in years)	1 year
Maximum borrowing capacity pursuant to extension options	$ 1,850,000,000
Sherwin Williams Canada Inc [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity | CAD								CAD 150,000
Sherwin Williams Luxembourg [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity | €									€ 95,000
Short-term borrowing outstanding					$ 21,715,000
Weighted average interest rate (percentage)					0.90%
Domestic Commercial Paper Program [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Short-term borrowing outstanding					$ 0	$ 625,860,000
Weighted average interest rate (percentage)						0.30%
Foreign Programs [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Short-term borrowing outstanding					$ 17,747,000
Weighted average interest rate (percentage)					14.40%
Five Year Agreement Dated January 30, 2012 [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Term (in years)				5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 500,000,000
Five year agreement dated April 23, 2012 [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Term (in years)			5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 250,000,000

Other Long-Term Liabilities (De

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)ManufacturingSite	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Other Long-Term Liabilities (Textual) [Abstract]
Accruals for extended environmental-related activities	$ 129,856	$ 114,281	$ 86,647
Estimated costs of current investigation and remediation activities included in other accruals	$ 22,493	$ 16,868	$ 15,385
Number of manufacturing sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities | ManufacturingSite	2
Accruals for environmental-related activities of sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	$ 102,033
Percentage of accrual for environmental-related activities related to sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	67.00%
Amount by which unaccrued maximum of estimated range exceeds minimum	$ 88,900
Amount of unaccrued maximum related to sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	$ 61,129
Percentage of aggregate unaccrued maximum related to sites accounting for the majority of the accrual for environmental-related activities	68.80%

Litigation (Details)

Litigation (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2014USD ($)defendant	Jul. 01, 2008jury_trialdefendant	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Import tax examination, liability adjustment from settlement with taxing authority, after tax							$ 21,858
Trial by Jury, State of Rhode Island [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of jury trials | jury_trial			2
Number of additional defendants | defendant			2
Santa Clara County, California Proceeding [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of additional plaintiffs | defendant		2
Amount payable jointly and severally for litigation		$ 1,150,000
Titanium Dioxide Antitrust Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Settlement gain related to litigation settlement				$ 21,420		$ 21,420
Cost of Sales [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Import tax examination, liability adjustment from settlement with taxing authority					$ 28,711
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Import tax examination, liability adjustment from settlement with taxing authority					$ 2,873
Pending Litigation [Member] | Avisep and Bevisep v.s. The Sherwin-Williams Company [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought	$ 85,000

Capital Stock (Details)

Capital Stock (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Capital Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	300,000,000
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	30,000,000
Common stock reserved for future grants of restricted stock (in shares)	8,824,943	10,304,816	12,121,210
Common stock held in revocable trust (in shares)	487,900	487,075	486,138
Schedule of Capital Stock
Common Shares Outstanding, beginning (in shares)	94,704,173	100,129,380
Common Shares Outstanding, ending (in shares)	92,246,525	94,704,173	100,129,380
2006 Employee Plan [Member]
Capital Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized under employee plan (in shares)	19,200,000
Treasury Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capital Stock
Common Shares in Treasury, beginning (in shares)	19,813,079	12,772,498	8,352,904
Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised (in shares)	14,542	7,229	2,697
Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock (in shares)	111,433	108,352	116,897
Treasury stock purchased (in shares)	3,575,000	6,925,000	4,300,000
Common Shares in Treasury, ending (in shares)	23,514,054	19,813,079	12,772,498
Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capital Stock
Common Shares Outstanding, beginning (in shares)	94,704,173	100,129,380	103,270,067
Shares tendered as payment for option rights exercised (in shares)	(14,542)	(7,229)	(2,697)
Shares issued for exercise of option rights (in shares)	1,133,050	1,423,395	1,127,942
Shares tendered in connection with grants of restricted stock (in shares)	(111,433)	(108,352)	(116,897)
Net shares issued for grants of restricted stock (in shares)	110,277	191,979	150,965
Treasury stock purchased (in shares)	(3,575,000)	(6,925,000)	(4,300,000)
Common Shares Outstanding, ending (in shares)	92,246,525	94,704,173	100,129,380
Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	3,000,000
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000

Stock Purchase Plan and Prefe70

Stock Purchase Plan and Preferred Stock (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Aug. 01, 2006USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)employeeshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)shares
Stock Purchase Plan and Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Employees contributed to company's ESOP | employee		34,561
Participants percentage contribution on a pretax basis only of their annual compensation (up to the lesser of)		20.00%
Percentage of matching contribution to ESOP Plan by employer		100.00%
Percentage of eligible contribution plan up to which employer contributes (up to)		6.00%
Company contributions to ESOP on behalf of participating employees representing amounts authorized by employees to be withheld from their earnings on pre-tax basis		$ 120,514	$ 109,036	$ 97,381
Company's matching contributions to the ESOP		$ 80,356	$ 74,574	$ 67,428
Employee stock ownership plan common stock shares held in ESOP (in shares) | shares		11,333,455
Percentage of total voting shares outstanding held by the ESOP		12.30%
Employee stock ownership plan ESOP series 2 preferred stock contributed to ESOP (in shares) | shares	500,000
Employee stock ownership plan ESOP series 2 preferred stock par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Cumulative quarterly dividends per share on convertible serial preferred stock (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 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 (percentage)	5.50%
Term for payment of borrowed amount for acquisition of Series 2 Preferred stock in equal quarterly payments (in years)	10 years
Number of votes for each Series 2 Preferred share under ESOP | vote	1
Allocated or committed to be released shares of Series 2 Preferred stock outstanding (in shares) | shares		0	0	0
Number of redeemed shares of Series 2 Preferred stock | shares			40,406,000	60,681,000
Fair value of Series 2 Preferred stock				$ 86,309

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)right$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2012shares
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 88,114
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted-average period recognition (in years)	1 year 21 days
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 72,342	$ 64,735	$ 58,004
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense	$ 27,634	$ 24,816	$ 22,368
Portion of option rights generally becoming exercisable to the extent of optioned shares (percentage) | right	0.33
Expiration period (in years)	10 years
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Weighted-average per share fair value of option rights granted during the year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 50.73	$ 43.11	$ 41.91
Fair value of options vested	$ 32,655	$ 32,313	$ 28,658
Outstanding option rights | shares	5,219,506	5,699,892	6,484,592	6,748,126
Weighted average remaining term for options outstanding (in years)	6 years 5 months 8 days	6 years 6 months 24 days	6 years 9 months 1 day
Weighted average remaining term for options exercisable (in years)	5 years 5 months 18 days	5 years 7 months 16 days	5 years 8 months 15 days
Shares reserved for future grants of option rights restricted stock | shares	3,605,437	4,604,924	5,636,618
Employees [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of exercised option rights	$ 223,417	$ 195,097	$ 129,742
Non-employee Plan [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units granted | right	0
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Outstanding option rights | shares	0	0	0
Stock Option [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 39,703
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted-average period recognition (in years)	1 year 1 month 1 day
Estimated forfeiture rate (percentage)	2.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employees [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 46,947
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted-average period recognition (in years)	11 months 18 days
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employee Directors [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,463
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted-average period recognition (in years)	11 months 20 days
Performance Shares [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Service period required for vesting of grants (in years)	3 years
Time Shares [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
2006 Employee Plan [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized under employee plan (in shares) | shares	19,200,000
Number of appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units granted | right	0
Number of shares authorized under 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan | shares	200,000
2006 Employee Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Service period required for vesting of grants (in years)	3 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Det72

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Option rights
Risk-free interest rate	1.37%	1.47%	1.37%
Expected life of option rights (in years)	5 years 18 days	5 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 1 month 6 days
Expected dividend yield of stock	1.13%	1.19%	1.32%
Expected volatility of stock	24.50%	22.30%	28.10%
Optioned Shares
Outstanding beginning of year	5,699,892	6,484,592	6,748,126
Granted	697,423	672,565	898,728
Exercised	(1,133,287)	(1,421,045)	(1,127,942)
Forfeited	(43,632)	(31,617)	(33,278)
Expired	(890)	(4,603)	(1,042)
Outstanding end of year	5,219,506	5,699,892	6,484,592
Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding beginning of the year, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 117.31	$ 96.25	$ 79.39
Granted, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	241.84	224.65	179.67
Exercised, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	79.41	70.71	61.46
Forfeited, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	193.60	158.92	115.24
Expired, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	87.59	86.66	79.73
Outstanding end of the year, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 141.58	$ 117.31	$ 96.25
Exercisable at end of year, Optioned Shares	3,807,351	4,095,246	4,424,674
Exercisable at end of year, Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 110.96	$ 87.79	$ 71.86
Outstanding end of year, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 616,866	$ 830,647	$ 563,554
Exercisable at end of year, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 565,934	$ 717,691	$ 492,689

Stock-Based Compensation (Det73

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of grants of restricted stock to certain officers, key employees and non-employee directors
Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock granted during the year (in dollars per share)	$ 285.88	$ 191.60	$ 163.63

Stock-Based Compensation (Det74

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) - Restricted Stock [Member] - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of the Company's restricted stock activity
Outstanding at beginning of year	655,276	749,382	919,748
Granted	112,494	201,412	172,406
Vested	(290,901)	(294,438)	(334,750)
Forfeited	(9,125)	(1,080)	(8,022)
Outstanding at end of year	467,744	655,276	749,382

Other (Details)

Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other general expense - net
Provisions for environmental matters - net	$ 31,071	$ 36,046	$ (2,751)
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	(803)	1,436	5,207
Net expense of exit or disposal activities			63
Total	30,268	37,482	2,519
Other expense (income) - net
Dividend and royalty income	(3,668)	(4,864)	(5,904)
Net expense from financing activities	11,091	11,367	9,829
Foreign currency transaction related losses	9,503	3,603	7,669
Other income	(23,880)	(37,524)	(22,684)
Other expense	13,036	12,018	12,026
Total	$ 6,082	$ (15,400)	$ 936

Other (Textual) (Details)

Other (Textual) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)contractoption_plan	Dec. 31, 2015contractoption_plan	Dec. 31, 2013contractoption_plan
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Number of foreign currency option outstanding | option_plan	0	0	0
Number of foreign forward contracts outstanding | contract	0	0	0
Global Finishes Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gain on early termination of customer agreement	$ 6,336
Administrative [Member] | Acquisition of Comex US Canada Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Realized gain on final asset valuations	$ 6,198

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Exit costs, environ-mental and other similar items	$ 63,851	$ 56,441	$ 45,322
Employee related and benefit items	141,974	141,670	109,254
Other items	116,302	112,149	105,904
Total deferred tax assets	322,127	310,260	260,480
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	241,101	227,765	214,696
LIFO inventories	89,330	67,835	60,122
Other items	33,433	44,378	68,709
Total deferred tax liabilities	363,864	339,978	343,527
Net deferred tax liabilities	41,737	29,718	83,047
Current:
Federal	399,677	308,283	229,997
Foreign	30,145	53,045	42,543
State and local	60,319	50,049	33,082
Total current	490,141	411,377	305,622
Deferred:
Federal	13,505	(14,974)	30,384
Foreign	(10,752)	(7,361)	(9,041)
State and local	2,223	3,297	6,432
Total deferred	4,976	(19,038)	27,775
Total provisions for income taxes	$ 495,117	$ 392,339	$ 333,397

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of income before income taxes as used for income tax purposes
Domestic	$ 1,440,511	$ 1,113,528	$ 969,790
Foreign	108,455	144,698	116,168
Income before income taxes	$ 1,548,966	$ 1,258,226	$ 1,085,958
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes	2.60%	2.80%	2.40%
Investment vehicles	(1.60%)	(2.50%)	(2.10%)
Domestic production activities	(2.20%)	(2.50%)	(2.20%)
Other - net	(1.80%)	(1.60%)	(2.40%)
Effective tax rate	32.00%	31.20%	30.70%
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax
Balance at beginning of year	$ 31,560	$ 30,997	$ 28,119
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	4,228	3,370	3,480
Additions for tax positions of prior years	8,450	4,428	5,059
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(4,862)	(2,349)	(3,378)
Settlements	(968)	(4,089)	(103)
Lapses of Statutes of Limitations	(4,535)	(797)	(2,180)
Balance at end of year	$ 33,873	$ 31,560	$ 30,997

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Valuation reserves for other deferred tax assets	$ 1,077	$ 1,725	$ 7,390
Domestic net operating loss carryforward	28,865
Foreign net operating losses carryforward	74,487
Effect of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and the provisions of the Income Taxes Topic of the ASC	(5,895)	(1,887)	4,411
Unrecognized tax benefits adjusted	30,007	28,208	27,767
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits where significant change is reasonably possible	3,509
Income tax interest and penalties	2,918	2,144	103
Accrued income tax interest and penalties	$ 8,550	$ 5,732	$ 6,246

Net Income Per Common Share (De

Net Income Per Common Share (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)class$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Basic
Average common shares outstanding (in shares) | shares										92,197,207	96,190,101	100,897,512
Net income		$ 198,017	$ 374,491	$ 349,937	$ 131,404	$ 132,743	$ 326,240	$ 291,447	$ 115,457	$ 1,053,849	$ 865,887	$ 752,561
Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares										(4,462)	(4,892)	(4,596)
Net income allocated to common shares										$ 1,049,387	$ 860,995	$ 747,965
Net income per common share - basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 2.15	$ 4.04	$ 3.78	$ 1.41	$ 1.40	$ 3.42	$ 3	$ 1.16	$ 11.38	$ 8.95	$ 7.41
Diluted
Average common shares outstanding (in shares) | shares										92,197,207	96,190,101	100,897,512
Stock options and other contingently issuable shares (in shares) | shares	[1]									1,826,885	1,885,334	2,151,359
Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (in shares) | shares										94,024,092	98,075,435	103,048,871
Net income		$ 198,017	$ 374,491	$ 349,937	$ 131,404	$ 132,743	$ 326,240	$ 291,447	$ 115,457	$ 1,053,849	$ 865,887	$ 752,561
Less net income allocated to unvested restricted shares assuming dilution										(4,386)	(4,804)	(4,509)
Net income allocated to common shares assuming dilution										$ 1,049,463	$ 861,083	$ 748,052
Net income per common share - diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 2.12	$ 3.97	$ 3.70	$ 1.38	$ 1.37	$ 3.35	$ 2.94	$ 1.14	$ 11.16	$ 8.78	$ 7.26
Net Income Per Common Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Common shares outstanding, anti-dilutive | shares										34,463	608,477	842,354
Classes of participating securities | class										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 34,463, 608,477 and 842,354 shares at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Summary of Quarterly Results 81

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,604,596	$ 3,152,285	$ 3,132,139	$ 2,450,284	$ 2,569,412	$ 3,150,570	$ 3,042,995	$ 2,366,556	$ 11,339,304	$ 11,129,533	$ 10,185,532
Gross profit	1,322,239	1,574,552	1,529,986	1,132,449	1,217,975	1,470,955	1,409,653	1,065,901	5,559,226	5,164,484	4,616,566
Net income	$ 198,017	$ 374,491	$ 349,937	$ 131,404	$ 132,743	$ 326,240	$ 291,447	$ 115,457	$ 1,053,849	$ 865,887	$ 752,561
Net income per common share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.15	$ 4.04	$ 3.78	$ 1.41	$ 1.40	$ 3.42	$ 3	$ 1.16	$ 11.38	$ 8.95	$ 7.41
Net income per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.12	$ 3.97	$ 3.70	$ 1.38	$ 1.37	$ 3.35	$ 2.94	$ 1.14	$ 11.16	$ 8.78	$ 7.26

Operating Leases (Details Textu

Operating Leases (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Rental expenses	$ 394,359	$ 376,914	$ 327,592
Contingent rental included in rent expense	$ 55,890	$ 52,379	$ 44,084

Operating Leases (Details)

Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases
2,016	$ 317,843
2,017	275,411
2,018	226,317
2,019	179,874
2,020	138,204
Later years	282,900
Total minimum lease payments	$ 1,420,549

Reportable Segment Informatio84

Reportable Segment Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)storebranchjoint_venturesegmentforeign_country	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)store
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of reportable operating segments | segment	4
Revenues | $	$ 11,339,000	$ 11,130,000	$ 10,186,000
Segment profit | $	1,963,000	1,695,000	1,442,000
Long lived assets | $	3,132,981	3,139,272	3,223,790
Identifiable assets | $	$ 5,791,855	$ 5,706,052	$ 6,382,507
Percent of assets of consolidated foreign subsidiaries to Company's assets	20.20%	23.80%	25.50%
Foreign Countries [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenues | $	$ 1,788,955	$ 2,203,804	$ 2,129,626
Segment profit | $	75,773	115,629	106,166
Long lived assets | $	497,528	551,364	648,908
Identifiable assets | $	$ 1,172,064	$ 1,359,991	$ 1,625,422
Paint Stores Group [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of company-operated stores	4,086
Number of net new stores	83	95	388
New stores opened	113
Number of stores closed	30
Revenues | $	$ 7,209,000	$ 6,852,000	$ 6,002,000
Paint Stores Group [Member] | United States of America [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
New stores opened	99
Number of stores closed	25
Paint Stores Group [Member] | Canada [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
New stores opened	12
Number of stores closed	5
Paint Stores Group [Member] | Puerto Rico [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
New stores opened	1
Paint Stores Group [Member] | Trinidad [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
New stores opened	1
Consumer Group [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Percent of sales of one group including intersegment transfers represented products sold through other stores group	63.00%
Revenues | $	$ 1,578,000	1,421,000	1,342,000
Global Finishes Group [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of company-operated stores | branch	296
New stores opened | branch	3
Number of stores closed | branch	7
Net increase (decrease) in branches | branch	(4)
Number of subsidiaries in foreign countries | foreign_country	35
Income from licensing agreements in number of foreign countries | foreign_country	15
Revenues | $	$ 1,916,000	$ 2,081,000	$ 2,005,000
Global Finishes Group [Member] | United States of America [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of stores closed | branch	5
Global Finishes Group [Member] | Chile [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of stores closed | branch	2
Global Finishes Group [Member] | Canada [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
New stores opened | branch	2
Global Finishes Group [Member] | Mexico [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
New stores opened | branch	1
Latin America Coatings Group [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of company-operated stores	291
New stores opened	17
Number of stores closed	2
Net increase (decrease) in branches	15
Number of subsidiaries in foreign countries | foreign_country	9
Number of foreign joint ventures | joint_venture	4
Income from licensing agreements in number of foreign countries | foreign_country	7
Latin America Coatings Group [Member] | South America [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
New stores opened	11
Number of stores closed	1
Latin America Coatings Group [Member] | Mexico [Member]
Reportable Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
New stores opened	6
Number of stores closed	1

Reportable Segment Informatio85

Reportable Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	$ 11,339,000	$ 11,130,000	$ 10,186,000
Segment profit	1,963,000	1,695,000	1,442,000
Interest expense	(62,000)	(64,000)	(63,000)
Administrative expenses and other	(352,000)	(373,000)	(293,000)
Income before income taxes	1,548,966	1,258,226	1,085,958
Identifiable assets	5,791,855	5,706,052	6,382,507
Capital expenditures	234,340	200,545	166,680
Depreciation	170,323	169,087	158,763
Paint Stores Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	7,209,000	6,852,000	6,002,000
Consumer Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	1,578,000	1,421,000	1,342,000
Global Finishes Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	1,916,000	2,081,000	2,005,000
Latin America Coatings Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	631,000	771,000	832,000
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	5,000	5,000	5,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	(2,781,000)	(2,793,000)	(2,457,000)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Consumer Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	2,736,000	2,745,000	2,409,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	5,000	8,000	9,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Latin America Coatings Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	40,000	40,000	39,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Paint Stores Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	7,209,000	6,852,000	6,002,000
Segment profit	1,434,000	1,201,000	991,000
Income before income taxes	$ 1,434,000	$ 1,201,000	$ 991,000
Reportable segment margins	19.90%	17.50%	16.50%
Identifiable assets	$ 1,685,000	$ 1,602,000	$ 1,668,000
Capital expenditures	119,000	87,000	73,000
Depreciation	64,000	58,000	55,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Consumer Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	4,314,000	4,166,000	3,751,000
Segment profit	309,000	253,000	242,000
Income before income taxes	$ 309,000	$ 253,000	$ 242,000
Reportable segment margins	7.20%	6.10%	6.50%
Identifiable assets	$ 1,925,000	$ 1,883,000	$ 1,762,000
Capital expenditures	61,000	45,000	40,000
Depreciation	47,000	48,000	45,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Global Finishes Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	1,921,000	2,089,000	2,014,000
Segment profit	202,000	201,000	170,000
Income before income taxes	$ 202,000	$ 201,000	$ 170,000
Reportable segment margins	10.50%	9.60%	8.40%
Identifiable assets	$ 814,000	$ 874,000	$ 964,000
Capital expenditures	21,000	16,000	15,000
Depreciation	25,000	28,000	29,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America Coatings Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	671,000	811,000	871,000
Segment profit	18,000	40,000	39,000
Income before income taxes	$ 18,000	$ 40,000	$ 39,000
Reportable segment margins	2.70%	4.90%	4.50%
Identifiable assets	$ 352,000	$ 427,000	$ 485,000
Capital expenditures	14,000	8,000	7,000
Depreciation	8,000	9,000	10,000
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Reportable segment information
Interest expense	(62,000)	(64,000)	(63,000)
Administrative expenses and other	(352,000)	(373,000)	(293,000)
Income before income taxes	(414,000)	(437,000)	(356,000)
Identifiable assets	1,016,000	920,000	1,504,000
Capital expenditures	19,000	45,000	32,000
Depreciation	26,000	26,000	20,000
Administrative and Intersegment Transfers [Member]
Reportable segment information
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	$ (2,776,000)	$ (2,788,000)	$ (2,452,000)

Valuation and Qualifying Acco86

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Schedule II) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 53,770	$ 54,460	$ 47,667
Amount acquired through acquisitions			896
Bad debt expense	30,393	34,810	31,192
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	(34,743)	(35,500)	(25,295)
Ending balance	$ 49,420	$ 53,770	$ 54,460