C. H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC., 10-K filed on 2/19/2020
Annual Report
v3.19.3.a.u2
Cover Page - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Feb. 14, 2020
Jun. 28, 2019
Cover page.      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2019    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 000-23189    
Entity Registrant Name C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001043277    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 41-1883630    
Entity Address, Address Line One 14701 Charlson Road    
Entity Address, City or Town Eden Prairie    
Entity Address, State or Province MN    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 55347    
City Area Code 952    
Local Phone Number 937-8500    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share    
Trading Symbol CHRW    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 11,391,890,865
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   134,892,810  
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 7, 2020 (the “Proxy Statement”), are incorporated by reference in Part III.    
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 447,858 $ 378,615
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $32,838 and $41,131 1,974,381 2,162,438
Contract assets 132,874 159,635
Prepaid expenses and other 85,005 52,386
Total current assets 2,640,118 2,753,074
Property and equipment 489,976 498,847
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (281,553) (270,546)
Net property and equipment 208,423 228,301
Goodwill 1,291,760 1,258,922
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $156,879 and $156,246 90,931 108,822
Right-of-use lease assets 310,860  
Deferred tax assets 13,485 9,993
Other assets 85,483 68,300
Total assets 4,641,060 4,427,412
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 984,604 971,023
Outstanding checks 78,231 92,084
Accrued expenses–    
Compensation 112,784 153,626
Transportation expense 101,194 119,820
Income taxes 12,354 28,360
Other accrued liabilities 62,706 63,410
Current lease liabilities 61,280  
Current portion of debt 142,885 5,000
Total current liabilities 1,556,038 1,433,323
Long-term debt 1,092,448 1,341,352
Noncurrent lease liabilities 259,444  
Noncurrent income taxes payable 22,354 21,463
Deferred tax liabilities 39,776 35,757
Other long-term liabilities 270 430
Total liabilities 2,970,330 2,832,325
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ investment:    
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value, 20,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding 0 0
Common stock, $0.10 par value, 480,000 shares authorized; 179,380 and 179,400 shares issued, 134,895 and 137,284 outstanding 13,490 13,728
Additional paid-in capital 546,646 521,486
Retained earnings 4,144,834 3,845,593
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (76,149) (71,935)
Treasury stock at cost (44,485 and 42,116 shares) (2,958,091) (2,713,785)
Total stockholders’ investment 1,670,730 1,595,087
Total liabilities and stockholders’ investment $ 4,641,060 $ 4,427,412
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 32,838 $ 41,131
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization $ 156,879 $ 156,246
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.10 $ 0.10
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 20,000,000 20,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) 0 0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) 0 0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.10 $ 0.10
Common stock, authorized (in shares) 480,000,000 480,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares) 179,380,000 179,400,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) 134,895,000 137,284,000
Treasury stock (in shares) 44,485,000 42,116,000
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues:      
Total revenues $ 15,309,508 $ 16,631,172 $ 14,869,380
Costs and expenses:      
Personnel expenses 1,298,528 1,343,542 1,179,527
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses 497,806 449,610 413,404
Total costs and expenses 14,519,532 15,719,089 14,094,261
Income from operations 789,976 912,083 775,119
Interest and other expenses (47,719) (31,810) (46,656)
Income before provision for income taxes 742,257 880,273 728,463
Provision for income taxes 165,289 215,768 223,570
Net income 576,968 664,505 504,893
Other comprehensive (loss) income (4,214) (53,475) 42,982
Comprehensive income $ 572,754 $ 611,030 $ 547,875
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share) $ 4.21 $ 4.78 $ 3.59
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share) $ 4.19 $ 4.73 $ 3.57
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) 136,955 139,010 140,610
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards (in shares) 780 1,395 772
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) 137,735 140,405 141,382
Transportation      
Revenues:      
Total revenues $ 14,322,295 $ 15,515,921 $ 13,502,906
Costs and expenses:      
Purchased services and products 11,839,433 12,922,177 11,257,290
Sourcing      
Revenues:      
Total revenues 987,213 1,115,251 1,366,474
Costs and expenses:      
Purchased services and products $ 883,765 $ 1,003,760 $ 1,244,040
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Jan. 01, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Beginning Balance   $ 1,595,087   $ 1,425,745 $ 1,595,087 $ 1,425,745 $ 1,257,847  
Net income $ 99,106 $ 161,788 $ 187,150 $ 142,297 576,968 664,505 504,893  
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption               $ 9,239
Foreign currency translation         (4,214) (53,475) 42,982  
Dividends declared, $2.01 in 2019, $1.88 in 2018, and $1.81 in 2017, per share         (277,727) (265,244) (258,378)  
Stock issued for employee benefit plans         47,977 30,018 16,572  
Issuance of restricted stock         0 0 0  
Stock-based compensation expense         39,083 87,791 41,814  
Repurchase of common stock         (306,444) (303,492) (179,985)  
Ending Balance $ 1,670,730   $ 1,595,087   $ 1,670,730 $ 1,595,087 $ 1,425,745  
Common Stock                
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Beginning Balance (in shares)   137,284   139,542 137,284 139,542 141,258  
Beginning Balance   $ 13,728   $ 13,954 $ 13,728 $ 13,954 $ 14,126  
Stock issued for employee benefit plans (in shares)         1,017 764 612  
Stock issued for employee benefit plans         $ 102 $ 76 $ 61  
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)         28 297 97  
Issuance of restricted stock         $ 3 $ 30 $ 10  
Stock-based compensation expense (in shares)         0 0 1  
Stock-based compensation expense         $ 0 $ 0 $ 0  
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)         (3,434) (3,319) (2,426)  
Repurchase of common stock         $ (343) $ (332) $ (243)  
Ending Balance (in shares) 134,895   137,284   134,895 137,284 139,542  
Ending Balance $ 13,490   $ 13,728   $ 13,490 $ 13,728 $ 13,954  
Additional Paid-in Capital                
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Beginning Balance   521,486   444,280 521,486 444,280 419,280  
Stock issued for employee benefit plans         (13,920) (10,547) (16,760)  
Issuance of restricted stock         (3) (30) (10)  
Stock-based compensation expense         39,083 87,783 41,770  
Ending Balance 546,646   521,486   546,646 521,486 444,280  
Retained Earnings                
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Beginning Balance   3,845,593   3,437,093 3,845,593 3,437,093 3,190,578  
Net income         576,968 664,505 504,893  
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption               $ 9,239
Dividends declared, $2.01 in 2019, $1.88 in 2018, and $1.81 in 2017, per share         (277,727) (265,244) (258,378)  
Ending Balance 4,144,834   3,845,593   4,144,834 3,845,593 3,437,093  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss                
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Beginning Balance   (71,935)   (18,460) (71,935) (18,460) (61,442)  
Foreign currency translation         (4,214) (53,475) 42,982  
Ending Balance (76,149)   (71,935)   (76,149) (71,935) (18,460)  
Treasury Stock                
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Beginning Balance   $ (2,713,785)   $ (2,451,122) (2,713,785) (2,451,122) (2,304,695)  
Stock issued for employee benefit plans         61,795 40,489 33,271  
Stock-based compensation expense         0 8 44  
Repurchase of common stock         (306,101) (303,160) (179,742)  
Ending Balance $ (2,958,091)   $ (2,713,785)   $ (2,958,091) $ (2,713,785) $ (2,451,122)  
v3.19.3.a.u2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share) $ 2.01 $ 1.88 $ 1.81
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income $ 576,968 $ 664,505 $ 504,893
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 100,449 96,729 92,977
Provision for doubtful accounts 5,853 15,634 13,489
Stock-based compensation 39,083 87,791 41,805
Deferred income taxes (2,407) (15,315) (28,096)
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation (8,492) (10,388) (13,657)
Other operating activities (3,830) 1,815 4,491
Changes in operating elements, net of effects of acquisitions:      
Receivables 208,312 (190,048) (364,181)
Contract assets 26,761 (11,871) 0
Prepaid expenses and other (29,871) 16,029 (9,173)
Accounts payable and outstanding checks (17,968) 36,083 144,041
Accrued compensation (40,757) 47,011 7,209
Accrued transportation expense (18,626) 25,175 0
Accrued income taxes (12,636) 21,176 18,817
Other accrued liabilities 8,937 7,200 (9,515)
Other assets and liabilities 3,643 1,370 (19,099)
Net cash provided by operating activities 835,419 792,896 384,001
INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Purchases of property and equipment (36,290) (45,000) (40,122)
Purchases and development of software (34,175) (18,871) (17,823)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (59,200) (5,315) (49,068)
Other investing activities 16,636 (3,622) (521)
Net cash used for investing activities (113,029) (72,808) (107,534)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Proceeds from stock issued for employee benefit plans 63,092 51,285 38,130
Stock tendered for payment of withholding taxes (15,115) (21,264) (21,557)
Repurchase of common stock (309,444) (300,991) (185,485)
Cash dividends (277,786) (265,219) (258,222)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 1,298,000 591,012 250,000
Payments on long-term borrowings (1,505,000) 0 0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 185,000 2,674,000 8,784,000
Payments on short-term borrowings (90,000) (3,384,000) (8,809,000)
Net cash used for financing activities (651,253) (655,177) (202,134)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (1,894) (20,186) 11,891
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 69,243 44,725 86,224
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 378,615 333,890 247,666
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 447,858 378,615 333,890
Supplemental cash flow disclosures      
Cash paid for income taxes 219,029 215,644 262,861
Cash paid for interest 50,854 47,544 37,871
Accrued share repurchases held in other accrued liabilities $ 0 $ 3,000 $ 500
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. and our subsidiaries (“the company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) are a global provider of transportation services and logistics solutions through a network of offices operating in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. and our majority owned and controlled subsidiaries. Our minority interests in subsidiaries are not significant. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best information, and our actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
REVENUE RECOGNITION. At contract inception, we assess the goods and services promised in our contracts with customers and identify our performance obligations to provide distinct goods and services to our customers. We have determined that the following distinct goods and services represent our primary performance obligations.
Transportation and Logistics Services - As a third party logistics provider, our primary performance obligation under our customer contracts is to utilize our relationships with a wide variety of transportation companies to efficiently and cost-effectively transport our customers’ freight. Revenue is recognized for these performance obligations as they are satisfied over the contract term, which generally represents the transit period. The transit period can vary based upon the method of transport, generally a number of days for over the road, rail, and air transportation, or several weeks in the case of an ocean shipment. Determining the transit period and how much of it has been completed as of the reporting date may require management to make judgments that affect the timing of revenue recognized. When the customers’ freight reaches its intended destination our performance obligation is complete. Pricing for our services is generally a fixed amount and is typically due within 30 days upon completion of our performance obligation.
We also provide certain value-added logistics services, such as customs brokerage, fee-based managed services, warehousing services, small parcel, and supply chain consulting and optimization services. These services may include one or more performance obligations which are generally satisfied over the service period as we perform our obligations. The service period may be a very short duration, in the case of customs brokerage and small parcel, or it may be longer in the case of warehousing, managed services and supply chain consulting and optimization services. Pricing for our services is established in the customer contract and is dependent upon the specific needs of the customer but may be agreed upon at a fixed fee per transaction, labor hour, or service period. Payment is typically due within 30 days upon completion of our performance obligation.
Sourcing Services - We contract with grocery retailers, restaurants, foodservice distributors, and produce wholesalers to provide sourcing services under the trade name Robinson Fresh. Our primary service obligation under these contracts is the buying, selling, and/or marketing of produce including fresh fruits, vegetables, and other value-added perishable items. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligations under these contracts is satisfied at a point in time, generally when the produce is received by our customer. Pricing under these contracts is generally a fixed amount and is typically due within 30 days upon completion of our performance obligation.
In many cases, as additional performance obligations, we contract to arrange logistics and transportation of the products we buy, sell, and/or market. These performance obligations are satisfied over the contract term consistent with our other transportation and logistics services. The contract period is typically less than one year. Pricing for our services is generally a fixed amount and is typically due within 30 days upon completion of our performance obligation.
Total revenues represent the total dollar value of revenue recognized from contracts with customers for the goods and services we provide. Substantially all of our revenue is attributable to contracts with our customers. Our net revenues are our total revenues less purchased transportation and related services, including contracted motor carrier, rail, ocean, air, and other costs, and the purchase price and services related to the products we source. Most transactions in our transportation and sourcing businesses are recorded at the gross amount we charge our customers for the service we provide and goods we sell. In these transactions, we are primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified good or service to our customer and we have discretion in establishing the price for the specified good or service. Additionally, in our sourcing business, in some cases we take inventory risk before the specified good has been transferred to our customer. Customs brokerage, managed
services, freight forwarding, and sourcing managed procurement transactions are recorded at the net amount we charge our customers for the service we provide because many of the factors stated above are not present.
CONTRACT ASSETS. Contract assets represent amounts for which we have the right to consideration for the services we have provided while a shipment is still in-transit but for which we have not yet completed our performance obligation or have not yet invoiced our customer. Upon completion of our performance obligations, which can vary in duration based upon the method of transport, and billing our customer these amounts become classified within accounts receivable and are then typically due within 30 days.
ACCRUED TRANSPORTATION EXPENSE. Accrued transportation expense represents amounts we owe to vendors, primarily transportation providers, for the services they have provided while a shipment is still in-transit as of the reporting date.
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS. Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. We continuously monitor payments from our customers and maintain a provision for uncollectible accounts based upon our customer aging trends, historical loss experience, and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified.
FOREIGN CURRENCY. Most balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are remeasured and translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the year. Translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income. Statement of operations items are translated at the average exchange rate during the year. 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of bank deposits and highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the time of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents held outside the United States totaled $405.1 million and $320.0 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents balance is denominated in U.S. dollars although these balances are frequently held in locations where the U.S. dollar is not the functional currency.
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER. Prepaid expenses and other include such items as software maintenance contracts, insurance premiums, other prepaid operating expenses, and inventories, consisting primarily of produce and related products held for resale.
RIGHT-OF-USE LEASE ASSETS. Right-of-use lease assets are recognized upon lease commencement and represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term.
LEASE LIABILITIES. Lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date and represent our obligation to make the lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT. Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.
We recognized the following depreciation expense (in thousands): 
2019$45,016  
201845,155  
201742,817  
A summary of our property and equipment as of December 31, is as follows (in thousands): 
20192018
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment$283,378  $272,733  
Buildings112,410  130,959  
Corporate aircraft11,461  11,337  
Leasehold improvements61,539  58,929  
Land20,146  23,648  
Construction in progress1,042  1,241  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization(281,553) (270,546) 
Net property and equipment$208,423  $228,301  

GOODWILL. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the net of the fair value of identifiable tangible net assets and identifiable intangible assets purchased and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (November 30 for us) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. See Note 2, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Other intangible assets include definite-lived customer lists, non-competition agreements, and indefinite-lived trademarks. The definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated lives, ranging from five to eight years. Definite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The indefinite-lived trademarks are not amortized. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, or annually, at a minimum. See Note 2, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
OTHER ASSETS. Other assets consist primarily of purchased and internally developed software, and the investments related to our nonqualified deferred compensation plan. We amortize software using the straight-line method over three years. We recognized the following amortization expense of purchased and internally developed software (in thousands): 
2019$17,023  
201814,688  
201713,887  
A summary of our purchased and internally developed software as of December 31, is as follows (in thousands): 
20192018
Purchased software$34,026  $32,460  
Internally developed software100,894  68,853  
Less accumulated amortization(83,158) (66,638) 
Net software$51,762  $34,675  

INCOME TAXES. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates.
Annual tax provisions include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year tax returns; however, the amount ultimately paid upon resolution of issues raised may differ from the amounts accrued.
The financial statement benefits of an uncertain income tax position are recognized when more likely than not, based on the technical merits, the position will be sustained upon examination. Unrecognized tax benefits are, more likely than not, owed to a taxing authority, and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated. Uncertain income tax positions are included in “Accrued income taxes” or “Noncurrent income taxes payable” in the consolidated balance sheets.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS). Comprehensive income (loss) consists primarily of foreign currency translation adjustments. It is presented on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income gross of related income tax effects.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. We issue stock awards, including stock options, performance shares, and restricted stock units, to key employees and outside directors. In general, the awards vest over five years, either based on the company’s earnings growth or the passage of time. The related compensation expense for each award is recognized over the appropriate vesting period. The fair value of each share-based payment award is established on the date of grant. For grants of shares and restricted stock units, the fair value is established based on the market price on the date of the grant, discounted for post-vesting holding restrictions. The discounts on outstanding grants vary from 12 percent to 22 percent and are calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model-protective put method. Changes in measured stock volatility and interest rates are the primary reason for changes in the discount.
For grants of options, we use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards. The determination of the fair value of share-based awards is affected by our stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield.
v3.19.3.a.u2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):
NAST(1)
Global Forwarding
All Other and Corporate(1)
Total
December 31, 2017 balance$1,029,122  $185,873  $60,821  $1,275,816  
Acquisitions(40) 33  —  (7) 
Foreign currency translation(12,298) (3,877) (712) (16,887) 
December 31, 2018 balance1,016,784  182,029  60,109  1,258,922  
Acquisitions—  25,892  7,771  33,663  
Foreign currency translation(1,214) 499  (110) (825) 
December 31, 2019 balance$1,015,570  $208,420  $67,770  $1,291,760  
________________________________ 
(1) Goodwill was reallocated between the NAST and Robinson Fresh segments due to the reorganization discussed in Note 9, Segment Reporting. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment on November 30, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units is less than their respective carrying value (“Step Zero Analysis”). If the Step Zero Analysis indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units is less than their respective carrying value, an additional impairment assessment is performed (“Step One Analysis”). Based on our Step Zero Analysis, we determined that the more likely than not criteria had not been met, and therefore a Step One Analysis was not required.
No goodwill or intangible asset impairment has been recorded in any period presented. Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands): 
20192018
CostAccumulated AmortizationNetCostAccumulated AmortizationNet
Finite-lived intangibles
Customer relationships$237,335  $(156,879) $80,456  $254,293  $(156,006) $98,287  
Non-competition agreements—  —  —  300  (240) 60  
Total finite-lived intangibles237,335  (156,879) 80,456  254,593  (156,246) 98,347  
Indefinite-lived intangibles
Trademarks10,475  —  10,475  10,475  —  10,475  
Total intangibles$247,810  $(156,879) $90,931  $265,068  $(156,246) $108,822  
Amortization expense for other intangible assets was (in thousands): 
2019$38,410  
201836,886  
201736,273  

Finite-lived intangible assets, by reportable segment, as of December 31, 2019, will be amortized over their remaining lives as follows (in thousands):
NAST  Global Forwarding  All Other and Corporate  Total  
2020$250  $28,023  $610  $28,883  
2021250  14,502  610  15,362  
2022250  14,502  610  15,362  
2023250  11,930  610  12,790  
2024167  3,648  610  4,425  
Thereafter—  2,771  863  3,634  
Total$80,456  
v3.19.3.a.u2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Accounting guidance on fair value measurements for certain financial assets and liabilities requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1-Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2-Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3-Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions or external inputs from inactive markets.
A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
We had no Level 3 assets or liabilities as of and during the periods ended December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2018. There were no transfers between levels during the period.
v3.19.3.a.u2
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
The components of our short-term and long-term debt and the associated interest rates were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Average interest rate as ofCarrying value as of
December 31, 2019December 31, 2018MaturityDecember 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Revolving credit facility— %3.64 %October 2023$—  $5,000  
Senior Notes, Series A3.97 %3.97 %August 2023175,000  175,000  
Senior Notes, Series B4.26 %4.26 %August 2028150,000  150,000  
Senior Notes, Series C4.60 %4.60 %August 2033175,000  175,000  
Receivables securitization facility (1)
2.41 %3.15 %December 2020142,885  249,744  
Senior Notes (1)
4.20 %4.20 %April 2028592,448  591,608  
Total debt1,235,333  1,346,352  
Less: Current maturities and short-term borrowing(142,885) (5,000) 
Long-term debt$1,092,448  $1,341,352  
________________________________ 
(1) Net of unamortized discounts and issuance costs.
SENIOR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
We have a senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement") with a total availability of $1 billion and a maturity date of October 24, 2023. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement generally bear interest at a variable rate determined by a pricing schedule or the base rate (which is the highest of (a) the administrative agent's prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent, or (c) the sum of one-month LIBOR plus a specified margin). As of December 31, 2019, the variable rate equaled LIBOR plus 1.13 percent. In addition, there is a commitment fee on the average daily undrawn stated amount under each letter of credit issued under the facility ranging from 0.075 percent to 0.200 percent. The recorded amount of borrowings outstanding approximates fair value because of the short maturity period of the debt; therefore, we consider these borrowings to be a Level 2 financial liability.
The Credit Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants that require us to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default under the Credit Agreement occurs and is continuing, then the administrative agent may declare any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable. In addition, if we become the subject of voluntary or involuntary proceedings under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar law, then any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement will automatically become immediately due and payable.
NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
On August 23, 2013, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with certain institutional investors (the “Purchasers”). On August 27, 2013, the Purchasers purchased an aggregate principal amount of $500 million of our Senior Notes, Series A, Senior Notes Series B, and Senior Notes Series C, collectively (the “Notes”). Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The fair value of the Notes approximated $539.3 million at December 31, 2019. We estimate the fair value of the Notes primarily using an expected present value technique, which is based on observable market inputs using interest rates currently available to companies of similar credit standing for similar terms and remaining maturities, and considering our own risk. If the Notes were recorded at fair value, they would be classified as Level 2.
The Note Purchase Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants that require us to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00, a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00, and a maximum consolidated priority debt to consolidated total asset ratio of 15 percent.
The Note Purchase Agreement provides for customary events of default. The occurrence of an event of default would permit certain Purchasers to declare certain Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. Under the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at 100 percent of the principal amount being redeemed together with a “make-whole amount” (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement), and accrued and unpaid interest with respect to each Note. The obligations of the company under the Note Purchase Agreement and the Notes are guaranteed by
C.H. Robinson Company, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, and by C.H. Robinson Company, Inc., a Minnesota corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the company.
U.S. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION
On April 26, 2017, we entered into a receivables purchase agreement and related transaction documents with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to provide a receivables securitization facility (the “Receivables Securitization Facility”). On December 17, 2018, we entered into an amendment on the Receivables Securitization Facility which changed the lending parties to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. and extended the maturity date from April 26, 2019, to December 17, 2020. The Receivables Securitization Facility is based on the securitization of our U.S. trade accounts receivable and provides funding of up to $250 million. The interest rate on borrowings under the Receivables Securitization Facility is based on 30 day LIBOR plus a margin. There is also a commitment fee we are required to pay on any unused portion of the facility. The Receivables Securitization Facility expires on December 17, 2020, unless extended by the parties and is recorded as a current liability as of December 31, 2019. The recorded amount of borrowings outstanding on the Receivables Securitization Facility approximates fair value because it can be redeemed on short notice and the interest rate floats. We consider these borrowings to be a Level 2 financial liability.
The Receivables Securitization Facility contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants, and it also contains customary default and termination provisions which provide for acceleration of amounts owed under the Receivables Securitization Facility upon the occurrence of certain specified events.
SENIOR NOTES
On April 9, 2018, we issued senior unsecured notes ("Senior Notes") through a public offering. The Senior Notes bear an annual interest rate of 4.20 percent payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15, until maturity on April 15, 2028. The proceeds from the Senior Notes were utilized to pay down the balance on our Credit Agreement. Taking into effect the amortization of the original issue discount and all underwriting and issuance expenses, the Senior Notes have an effective yield to maturity of approximately 4.39 percent per annum. The fair value of the Senior Notes, excluding debt discounts and issuance costs, approximated $659.9 million as of December 31, 2019, based primarily on the market prices quoted from external sources. The carrying value of the Senior Notes was $592.4 million as of December 31, 2019. If the Senior Notes were measured at fair value in the financial statements, they would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
We may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to their maturity at the applicable redemption prices described in the Senior Notes. Upon the occurrence of a “change of control triggering event” as defined in the Senior Notes (generally, a change of control of us accompanied by a reduction in the credit rating for the Senior Notes), we will generally be required to make an offer to repurchase the Senior Notes from holders at 101 percent of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.
The Senior Notes were issued under an indenture that contains covenants imposing certain limitations on our ability to incur liens, enter into sales and leaseback transactions and consolidate, merge or transfer substantial all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. It also provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include among other things nonpayment, breach of covenants in the indenture, and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Senior Notes, the trustee or holders of at least 25 percent in principal amount outstanding of the Senior Notes may declare the principal and the accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the outstanding Senior Notes to be due and payable. These covenants and events of default are subject to a number of important qualifications, limitations, and exceptions that are described in the indenture. The indenture does not contain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity to which we must adhere.
As of December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with, or have secured waivers of, all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement, Note Purchase Agreement, Receivables Securitization Facility, and Senior Notes.
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXESC.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. and its 80 percent (or more) owned U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. We file unitary or separate state returns based on state filing requirements. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to audits of U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax returns before 2012. We are currently under an Internal Revenue Service audit for the 2015-2017 tax years.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries and adding new rules for Global Intangible Low-tax Income (“GILTI”) and Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”). Although enacted more than two years ago, regulatory guidance on the application of FDII has not been finalized. We have included the tax impact of both GILTI and FDII in our income tax expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, based on our understanding of the rules available at the time of this filing. However, our calculations could be impacted by future regulations as guidance is finalized. We will continue to monitor any new guidance related to FDII and determine any impact it may have on our calculations.
In 2019 we removed our assertion, except for regarding the working capital of our largest China subsidiary, that the unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries were permanently reinvested. Following the removal of that assertion, we recorded tax expense of $13.9 million related to foreign withholding taxes paid and accrued during the fourth quarter of 2019. That expense was partially offset by tax benefits of $11.1 million related to excess foreign tax credits, and a tax benefit of $1.8 million related to foreign exchange losses on previously taxed income. If we repatriated all foreign earnings that are still considered to be permanently reinvested, the estimated effect on income taxes payable would be an increase of approximately $3.9 million as of December 31, 2019.
Income before provision for income taxes consisted of (in thousands):
201920182017
Domestic$649,742  $738,927  $638,718  
Foreign92,515  141,346  89,745  
Total$742,257  $880,273  $728,463  

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows (in thousands): 
201920182017
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period$31,515  $31,806  $12,268  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year2,212  —  4,014  
Additions for tax positions of prior years2,148  1,662  16,713  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years—  (263) —  
Lapse in statute of limitations(1,703) (1,394) (1,189) 
Settlements(234) (296) —  
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of the period$33,938  $31,515  $31,806  

Income tax expense considers amounts which may be needed to cover exposures for open tax years. We do not expect any material impact related to open tax years; however, actual settlements may differ from amounts accrued.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $39.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties, all of which would affect our effective tax rate if recognized. We are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months. The total liability for unrecognized tax benefits is expected to decrease by approximately $3.1 million in the next 12 months due to lapsing of statutes.
We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, we recognized approximately $1.0 million, $1.0 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, in interest and penalties. We had approximately $6.0 million and $6.5 million for the payment of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions accrued within noncurrent income taxes payable as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. These amounts are not included in the reconciliation above.
The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 
201920182017
Tax provision:
Federal$106,009  $152,627  $189,708  
State25,788  38,626  29,320  
Foreign35,899  39,830  32,638  
167,696  231,083  251,666  
Deferred provision (benefit):
Federal1,554  (11,969) (21,389) 
State316  (3,176) (3,048) 
Foreign(4,277) (170) (3,659) 
(2,407) (15,315) (28,096) 
Total provision$165,289  $215,768  $223,570  

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes using the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, is as follows:  
201920182017
Federal statutory rate21.0 %21.0 %35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit2.8  3.3  2.6  
Tax Act impact—  0.4  (1.7) 
Section 199 deduction—  —  (2.8) 
Share-based payment awards(0.9) (0.7) (1.9) 
Excess foreign tax credits(1.5) —  —  
Foreign1.7  0.6  (0.9) 
Other(0.8) (0.1) 0.4  
Effective income tax rate22.3 %24.5 %30.7 %

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following at December 31 (in thousands): 
20192018
Deferred tax assets:
Lease liabilities$77,879  $—  
Compensation54,226  57,666  
Accrued expenses23,179  27,683  
Receivables5,086  8,093  
Other7,417  6,004  
Deferred tax liabilities:
Right-of-use assets(75,352) —  
Intangible assets(73,166) (77,059) 
Accrued revenue(14,893) (19,571) 
Prepaid assets(4,660) (5,798) 
Long-lived assets(15,134) (15,615) 
Other(10,873) (7,167) 
Net deferred tax liabilities$(26,291) $(25,764) 
We had foreign net operating loss carryforwards with a tax effect of $11.1 million as of December 31, 2019, and $8.1 million as of December 31, 2018. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire at various dates from 2020 to 2025, with certain jurisdictions having indefinite carryforward terms. We continually monitor and review the foreign net operating loss carryforwards to determine the ability to realize the deferred tax assets associated with the foreign net operating loss carryforwards. As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $8.5 million and $6.4 million against the deferred tax asset related to the foreign operating loss carryforwards.
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS
PREFERRED STOCK. Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share. There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding. The preferred stock may be issued by resolution of our Board of Directors at any time without any action of the stockholders. The Board of Directors may issue the preferred stock in one or more series and fix the designation and relative powers. These include voting powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations, and restrictions of each series. The issuance of any such series may have an adverse effect on the rights of holders of common stock and may impede the completion of a merger, tender offer, or other takeover attempt.
COMMON STOCK. Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 480,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share. Subject to the rights of preferred stock which may from time to time be outstanding, holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, and to receive their share of the net assets of the company legally available for distribution upon liquidation or dissolution.
For each share of common stock held, stockholders are entitled to one vote on each matter to be voted on by the stockholders, including the election of directors. Holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting. The stockholders do not have preemptive rights. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
STOCK AWARD PLANS. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense as it vests. A summary of our total compensation expense recognized within personnel expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for stock-based compensation is as follows (in thousands):
201920182017
Stock options$16,073  $23,374  $10,109  
Stock awards20,170  61,826  29,217  
Company expense on ESPP discount2,840  2,591  2,479  
Total stock-based compensation expense$39,083  $87,791  $41,805  

On May 9, 2019, our shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan ("the Plan") to increase the number of shares authorized for award by 4,000,000 shares. The Plan allows us to grant certain stock awards, including stock options at fair market value and performance shares and restricted stock units, to our key employees and outside directors. At the time our shareholders approved adding additional shares to the plan, a maximum of 17,041,803 shares are available to be granted under this plan. Approximately 5,300,634 shares were available for stock awards under this plan as of December 31, 2019. Shares subject to awards that expire or are canceled without delivery of shares or that are settled in cash, generally become available again for issuance under the plan.
We awarded performance-based stock options to certain key employees during years prior to 2015. These options were subject to certain vesting requirements over a five-year period, based on the company’s earnings growth. These awards are no longer eligible for incremental vesting after 2019. Any options remaining unvested at the end of the five-year vesting period are forfeited to the company. Although participants can exercise options via a stock swap exercise, we do not issue reloads (restoration options) on the grants.
The following schedule summarizes stock option activity in the plans. All outstanding unvested options as of December 31, 2019, relate to time-based grants from 2015 through 2019.
OptionsWeighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Average
Remaining
Life
(years)
Outstanding at December 31, 20187,822,514  $74.42  $85,222  7.2
Grants151,040  82.46  
Exercised(725,685) 65.58  
Forfeitures(197,677) 77.87  
Outstanding at December 31, 20197,050,192  $75.40  $44,067  6.4
Vested at December 31, 20194,507,070  $71.17  5.6
Exercisable at December 31, 20194,507,070  $71.17  5.6
As of December 31, 2019, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options was $40.4 million. The amount of future expense to be recognized will be based on the passage of time and the employees' continued employment.
Additional potential dilutive stock options totaling 3,348,501 for 2019 have been excluded from our diluted net income per share calculations because these securities’ exercise prices were anti-dilutive (e.g., greater than the average market price of our common stock).
Information on the intrinsic value of options exercised is as follows (in thousands):
2019$15,862  
201816,209  
20176,026  
We have awarded stock options to certain key employees that vest primarily based on their continued employment. The value of these awards is established by the market price on the date of the grant, discounted for post-vesting holding restrictions, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is being expensed over the vesting period of the award. The following table summarizes these unvested stock option grants as of December 31, 2019:
First Vesting DateLast Vesting DateOptions
Granted, Net of
Forfeitures
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Unvested Options  
December 31, 2016December 31, 20201,421,432  $12.66  280,033  
December 31, 2017December 31, 20211,238,090  12.60  484,683  
December 31, 2018December 31, 20221,447,294  14.25  855,028  
December 31, 2019December 31, 20231,159,662  20.13  923,378  
5,266,478  $14.73  2,543,122  

We granted an additional 1,660,548 options on February 5, 2020. These awards had a weighted average exercise price of $72.74 and a weighted average grant date fair value of $13.88. These awards will vest over a five-year period with a first vesting date of December 31, 2020.
Determining Fair Value
We estimated the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We estimate the fair value of restricted shares and units using the Black-Scholes option pricing model-protective put method. A description of significant assumptions used to determine the risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, expected volatility, and expected term are as follows:
Risk-Free Interest Rate-The risk-free interest rate was based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues at the date of grant with a term equal to the expected term.
Dividend Yield-The dividend yield assumption is based on our history of dividend payouts. 
Expected Volatility-Expected volatility was determined based on implied volatility of our traded options and historical volatility of our stock price.
Expected Term-Expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined based on historical experience and anticipated future exercise patterns, giving consideration to the contractual terms of unexercised stock-based awards.
The fair value per option was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: 
2019 Grants2018 Grants2017 Grants
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate2.1%  3.1%  2.3%  
Expected dividend yield2.0%  2.0%  2.5%  
Weighted-average volatility25%  25%  20%  
Expected term (in years)6.086.086.20
Weighted average fair value per option$17.52  $20.52  $14.23  

STOCK AWARDS. We have awarded performance-based and time-based restricted shares and restricted stock units to certain key employees and non-employee directors. Performance-based awards are subject to certain vesting requirements over a five-year period, based on the company’s earnings growth. Time-based awards vest primarily based on the passage of time and the employee's continued employment. The awards also contain restrictions on the awardees’ ability to sell or transfer vested awards for a specified period of time. The fair value of these awards is established based on the market price on the date of grant, discounted for post-vesting holding restrictions. The discounts on outstanding grants vary from 12 percent to 22 percent and are calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model-protective put method. Changes in measured stock price volatility and interest rates are the primary reasons for changes in the discount. These grants are being expensed based on the terms of the awards.
The following table summarizes our unvested performance-based restricted shares and restricted stock unit grants as of December 31, 2019: 
Number of Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock UnitsWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2018846,170  $68.35  
Granted38,340  68.10  
Vested—  —  
Forfeitures(42,717) 63.24  
Unvested at December 31, 2019841,793  $68.68  
The following table summarizes performance based restricted shares and restricted stock units by vesting period: 
First Vesting DateLast Vesting DatePerformance Shares and Stock Units
Granted, Net of
Forfeitures
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value (1)
Unvested Performance Shares and Restricted Stock Units
December 31, 2016December 31, 2020388,578  $51.88  138,268  
December 31, 2017December 31, 2021338,693  64.91  161,722  
December 31, 2018December 31, 2022310,713  74.26  176,265  
December 31, 2019December 31, 2023365,538  73.82  365,538  
1,403,522  $65.59  841,793  
________________________________ 
(1) Amount shown is the weighted average grant date fair value of performance-based restricted shares and restricted stock units granted, net of forfeitures.
We granted an additional 405,776 performance-based restricted shares and restricted stock units on February 5, 2020. These awards had a weighted average grant date fair value of $59.34 and will vest over a five-year period with a first vesting date of December 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes our unvested time-based restricted share and restricted stock unit grants as of December 31, 2019: 
Number of Restricted
Shares and Stock Units
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2018926,692  $67.08  
Granted40,309  72.07  
Vested(291,318) 63.93  
Forfeitures(61,242) 67.66  
Unvested at December 31, 2019614,441  $68.76  
We granted an additional 329,586 time-based restricted shares and restricted stock units on February 5, 2020. These awards had a weighted average grant date fair value of $59.34 and will vest over a five-year period with a first vesting date of December 31, 2020.
A summary of the fair value of stock awards vested (in thousands): 
2019$20,170  
201861,826  
201729,217  
As of December 31, 2019, there was unrecognized compensation expense of $99.3 million related to previously granted stock awards. The amount of future expense to be recognized will be based on the company’s earnings growth and the continued employment of certain key employees.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. Our 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows our employees to contribute up to $10,000 of their annual cash compensation to purchase company stock. Purchase price is determined using the closing price on the last day of the quarter discounted by 15 percent. Shares are vested immediately. The following is a summary of the employee stock purchase plan activity (dollar amounts in thousands): 
Shares Purchased
By Employees
Aggregate Cost
to Employees
Expense Recognized
By the Company
2019224,596  $16,093  $2,840  
2018191,823  14,682  2,591  
2017215,613  14,048  2,479  

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAMS. During 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program that allows the Company to repurchase 15,000,000 shares. That program was completed in September 2018. In May 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program that allows the Company to repurchase 15,000,000 shares of our common stock. The activity under these authorizations is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
Shares RepurchasedTotal Value of Shares
Repurchased
2017 Repurchases2,426,407  $179,985  
2018 Repurchases3,319,077  303,492  
2019 Repurchases3,434,102  306,444  
As of December 31, 2019, there were 9,993,683 shares remaining for repurchase under the current authorization.
v3.19.3.a.u2
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. We offer a defined contribution plan, which qualifies under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and covers all eligible U.S. employees. We can also elect to make matching contributions to the plan. Annual discretionary contributions may also be made to the plan. Defined contribution plan expense, including matching contributions, was approximately (in thousands): 
2019$42,491  
201843,172  
201727,530  
We have committed to a defined contribution match of six percent of eligible compensation in 2020. We contributed a defined contribution match of six percent in 2019 and four percent in both 2018 and 2017. We made a discretionary profit-sharing contribution of two percent of total recognized compensation for eligible participants in 2018. Following the 2018 contribution, we amended the plan and terminated the discretionary profit-sharing program.
LEASE COMMITMENTS. We maintain operating leases for office space, warehouses, office equipment, and a small number of intermodal containers. See Note 11, Leases, for further information.
LITIGATION. We are not subject to any pending or threatened litigation other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business operations, including certain contingent auto liability cases as of December 31, 2019. For some legal proceedings, we have accrued an amount that reflects the aggregate liability deemed probable and estimable, but this amount is not material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Because of the preliminary nature of many of these proceedings, the difficulty in ascertaining the applicable facts relating to many of these proceedings, the inconsistent treatment of claims made in many of these proceedings, and the difficulty of predicting the settlement value of many of these proceedings, we are not able to estimate an amount or range of any reasonably possible additional losses. However, based upon our historical experience, the resolution of these proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
v3.19.3.a.u2
ACQUISITIONS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS
On May 22, 2019, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Dema Service S.p.A. (“Dema Service”) to strengthen our existing footprint in Italy. Total purchase consideration, net of cash acquired was $14.2 million, which was paid in cash.
Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful lives are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Life (years)
Customer relationships7$4,252  
There was $7.8 million of goodwill recorded related to the acquisition of Dema Service. The Dema Service goodwill is a result of acquiring and retaining the Dema Service workforce and expected synergies from integrating its business into ours. Purchase accounting is considered substantially complete. No goodwill was recognized for Italian tax purposes from the acquisition. The results of operations of Dema Service have been included as part of the All Other and Corporate segment in our consolidated financial statements since May 23, 2019.
On February 28, 2019, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of The Space Cargo Group (“Space Cargo”) for the purpose of expanding our presence and capabilities in Spain and Colombia. Total purchase consideration, net of cash acquired, was $45.0 million, which was paid in cash.
Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful lives are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Life (years)
Customer relationships7$16,439  
There was $25.9 million of goodwill recorded related to the acquisition of Space Cargo. The Space Cargo goodwill is a result of acquiring and retaining the Space Cargo workforce and expected synergies from integrating its business into ours. Purchase accounting is considered substantially complete. No goodwill was recognized for Spanish tax purposes from the acquisition. The results of operations of Space Cargo have been included as part of the Global Forwarding segment in our consolidated financial statements since March 1, 2019.
On August 31, 2017, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Milgram & Company Ltd. ("Milgram") for the purpose of expanding our global presence and bringing additional capabilities and expertise to our portfolio. Total purchase consideration, net of cash acquired, was $47.3 million, which was paid in cash. We used advances under the Credit Agreement to fund part of the cash consideration.
Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful lives are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Life (years)
Customer relationships7$14,004  
There was $28.3 million of goodwill recorded related to the acquisition of Milgram. The Milgram goodwill is a result of acquiring and retaining the Milgram existing workforce and expected synergies from integrating its business into ours. Purchase accounting is considered final. No goodwill was recognized for Canadian tax purposes from the acquisition. The results of operations of Milgram have been included primarily within our Global Forwarding segment in our consolidated financial statements since September 1, 2017.
On January 28, 2020, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Prime Distribution Services, a leading provider of retail consolidation services in North America for approximately $225 million in cash. The agreement is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT REPORTING
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENT REPORTING SEGMENT REPORTING
On January 1, 2019, we reorganized our enterprise transportation services structure to combine our NAST and Robinson Fresh transportation networks. The newly combined transportation network will be managed by and reported under the NAST reportable segment. We have determined that the remaining Robinson Fresh segment no longer meets the requirements of a reportable segment and will be included in the All Other and Corporate reportable segment. Prior period information has been reclassified to conform with this presentation. Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which generally segregates the segments by service line and the primary services they provide to our customers. We identify two reportable segments as follows:
North American Surface Transportation: NAST provides freight transportation services across North America through a network of offices in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The primary services provided by NAST are truckload, less than truckload ("LTL"), and intermodal.
Global Forwarding: Global Forwarding provides global logistics services through an international network of offices in North America, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and South America and also contracts with independent agents worldwide. The primary services provided by Global Forwarding include ocean freight services, air freight services, and customs brokerage.
All Other and Corporate: All Other and Corporate includes our Robinson Fresh and Managed Services segments, as well as Other Surface Transportation outside of North America and other miscellaneous revenues and unallocated corporate expenses. Robinson Fresh provides sourcing services including the buying, selling, and marketing of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items. Managed Services provides Transportation Management Services, or Managed TMS®. Other Surface Transportation revenues are primarily earned by our Europe Surface Transportation segment. Europe Surface Transportation provides services similar to NAST across Europe.
The internal reporting of segments is defined, based in part, on the reporting and review process used by our chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), our Chief Executive Officer. The accounting policies of our reporting segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We do not report our intersegment revenues by reportable segment to our CODM and do not believe they are a meaningful metric for evaluating the performance of our reportable segments.
Reportable segment information as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
NAST  Global ForwardingAll Other and CorporateConsolidated
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
Total Revenues$11,283,692  $2,327,913  $1,697,903  $15,309,508  
Net Revenues1,797,369  533,976  254,965  2,586,310  
Income (loss) from operations722,763  80,527  (13,314) 789,976  
Depreciation and amortization24,508  36,720  39,221  100,449  
Total assets (1)
2,550,010  1,021,592  1,069,458  4,641,060  
Average headcount7,354  4,766  3,431  15,551  
________________________________ 
(1) All cash and cash equivalents and certain owned properties are included in All Other and Corporate.
NAST(1)
Global Forwarding
All Other and Corporate(1)
Consolidated
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
Total Revenues$12,346,757  $2,487,744  $1,796,671  $16,631,172  
Net Revenues1,906,261  543,906  255,068  2,705,235  
Income (loss) from operations821,844  91,626  (1,387) 912,083  
Depreciation and amortization25,290  35,148  36,291  96,729  
Total assets(2)
2,567,120  969,736  890,556  4,427,412  
Average headcount7,387  4,711  3,106  15,204  
________________________________ 
(1) Amounts have been reclassified to reflect the segment reorganization announced in the first quarter of 2019.
(2) All cash and cash equivalents and certain owned properties are included in All Other and Corporate.
NAST(1)
Global Forwarding
All Other and Corporate(1)
Consolidated
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017
Total Revenues$10,728,835  $2,140,987  $1,999,558  $14,869,380  
Net Revenues1,626,174  485,280  256,596  2,368,050  
Income from operations661,108  91,842  22,169  775,119  
Depreciation and amortization23,866  33,308  35,803  92,977  
Total assets (2)
2,506,137  821,182  908,515  4,235,834  
Average headcount7,316  4,310  3,061  14,687  
________________________________ 
(1) Amounts have been reclassified to reflect the segment reorganization announced in the first quarter of 2019.
(2) All cash and cash equivalents and certain owned properties are included in All Other and Corporate.
The following table presents our total revenues (based on location of the customer) and long-lived assets (including intangible and other assets) by geographic regions (in thousands): 
For the year ended December 31,
201920182017
Total revenues
United States$13,143,522  $14,370,454  $12,865,087  
Other locations2,165,986  2,260,718  2,004,293  
Total revenues$15,309,508  $16,631,172  $14,869,380  

As of December 31,
2019(1)
20182017
Long-lived assets
United States$489,129  $321,766  $335,072  
Other locations206,567  83,657  107,140  
Total long-lived assets$695,696  $405,423  $442,212  
________________________________ 
(1) Includes $216.4 million and $94.4 million of right-of-use lease assets within the United States and other locations, respectively.
v3.19.3.a.u2
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. The standard outlines a five-step model whereby revenue is recognized as performance obligations within a customer contract are satisfied which changed the timing of revenue recognition for our transportation business from at delivery to over the transit period as our performance obligations are completed. The comparative information for the year ended December 31, 2017 has not been restated and continues to be reported under ASC 605, Revenue Recognition.
The impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was as follows (dollars in thousands).
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
As reportedBalances without adoption of ASU 2014-09Effect of change
higher / (lower)
Income Statement
Revenues:
Transportation$14,322,295  $14,336,820  $(14,525) 
Sourcing (1)
987,213  1,128,208  (140,995) 
Total revenues15,309,508  15,465,028  (155,520) 
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services11,839,433  11,848,665  (9,232) 
Purchased products sourced for resale (1)
883,765  1,024,760  (140,995) 
Personnel expenses1,298,528  1,299,087  (559) 
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses497,806  497,806  —  
Total costs and expenses14,519,532  14,670,318  (150,786) 
Income from operations789,976  794,710  (4,734) 
Interest and other expense(47,719) (47,719) —  
Income before provision for income taxes742,257  746,991  (4,734) 
Provision for income taxes165,289  166,502  (1,213) 
Net income$576,968  $580,489  $(3,521) 
________________________________ 
(1) We have identified certain customer contracts in our sourcing managed procurement business that changed from a principal to an agent relationship under the new standard. This change resulted in these contracts being recognized at the net amount we charge our customers but had no impact on income from operations.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
As reportedBalances without adoption of ASU 2014-09Effect of change
higher / (lower)
Income Statement
Revenues:
Transportation$15,515,921  $15,462,328  $53,593  
Sourcing (1)
1,115,251  1,235,713  (120,462) 
Total revenues16,631,172  16,698,041  (66,869) 
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services12,922,177  12,875,875  46,302  
Purchased products sourced for resale (1)
1,003,760  1,124,222  (120,462) 
Personnel expenses1,343,542  1,343,159  383  
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses449,610  449,610  —  
Total costs and expenses15,719,089  15,792,866  (73,777) 
Income from operations912,083  905,175  6,908  
Interest and other expense(31,810) (31,810) —  
Income before provision for income taxes880,273  873,365  6,908  
Provision for income taxes215,768  213,882  1,886  
Net income$664,505  $659,483  $5,022  
________________________________ 
(1) We have identified certain customer contracts in our sourcing managed procurement business that changed from a principal to an agent relationship under the new standard. This change resulted in these contracts being recognized at the net amount we charge our customers but had no impact on income from operations.
We typically do not receive consideration and amounts are not due from our customer prior to the completion of our performance obligations and as such contract liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and revenue recognized in the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, resulting from contract liabilities were not significant. Contract assets and accrued expenses - transportation expense fluctuate from period to period primarily based upon shipments in-transit at period and the timing of customer invoicing.
A summary of our total revenues disaggregated by major service line and timing of revenue recognition is presented below for each of our reportable segments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, as follows (dollars in thousands):
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
NASTGlobal ForwardingAll Other and CorporateTotal
Major service lines:
Transportation and logistics services(1)
$11,283,692  $2,327,913  $710,690  $14,322,295  
Sourcing(2)
—  —  987,213  987,213  
Total$11,283,692  $2,327,913  $1,697,903  $15,309,508  
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
NASTGlobal ForwardingAll Other and CorporateTotal
Major service lines:
Transportation and logistics services(1)
$12,346,757  $2,487,744  $681,420  $15,515,921  
Sourcing(2)
—  —  1,115,251  1,115,251  
Total$12,346,757  $2,487,744  $1,796,671  $16,631,172  
________________________________ 
(1) Transportation and logistics services performance obligations are completed over time.
(2) Sourcing performance obligations are completed at a point in time.
Approximately 92 percent and 91 percent of our total revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are attributable to arranging for the transportation of our customers’ freight for which we transfer control and satisfy our performance obligation over the requisite transit period. A days in transit output method is used to measure the progress of our performance as of the reporting date. We determine the transit period based upon the departure date and the delivery date, which may be estimated if delivery has not occurred as of the reporting date. Determining the transit period and how much of it has been completed as of the reporting date may require management to make judgments that affect the timing of revenue recognized. We have determined that revenue recognition over the transit period provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods and services to our customer as our obligation is performed over the transit period. The transaction price for our performance obligation under these arrangements is generally fixed and readily determinable upon contract inception and is not contingent upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of another event.
Approximately six percent and seven percent of our total revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are attributable to buying, selling, and/or marketing of produce including fresh fruits, vegetables, and other value-added perishable items. Total revenues for these transactions are recognized at a point in time upon completion of our performance obligation, which is generally when the produce is received by our customer. The transaction price for our performance obligation under these arrangements is generally fixed and readily determinable upon contract inception and is not contingent upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of another event.
Approximately two percent of our total revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are attributable to value-added logistics services, such as customs brokerage, fee-based managed services, warehousing services, small parcel, and supply chain consulting and optimization services. Total revenues for these services are recognized over time as we complete our performance obligation. Transaction price is determined and allocated to these performance obligations at their fixed fee or agreed upon rate multiplied by their associated measure of progress, which may be transactional volumes, labor hours, or time elapsed.
Practical Expedients - Upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09, we have determined that we qualify for certain practical expedients to facilitate the adoption of the standard. We have elected to expense incremental costs of obtaining customer contracts (i.e., sales commissions) due to the short duration of our arrangements as the amortization period of such amounts is expected to be less than one year. These amounts are included within personnel expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. In addition, we do not disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of the period, as our contracts have an expected length of one year or less. Finally, for certain of our performance obligations such as fee-based managed services, supply chain consulting and optimization services, and warehousing services, we have recognized revenue in the amount for which we have the right to invoice our customer as we have determined this amount corresponds directly with the value provided to the customer for our performance completed to date.
v3.19.3.a.u2
LEASES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]  
LEASES LEASES
We adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as of January 1, 2019. Prior period information was not restated and continues to be presented under ASC 840, Leases. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to not reassess existing contracts to determine if they contain a lease and to carry forward their historical lease classification upon transition. In addition, we have made a policy election to not apply the guidance of ASC 842 to leases with a term of 12 months or less as allowed by the standard. These leases are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities of $265.4 million and $273.3 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact our consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows.
We determine if our contractual agreements contain a lease at inception. A lease is identified when a contract allows us the right to control an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Our lease agreements consist primarily of operating leases for office space, warehouses, office equipment, and a small number of intermodal containers. We do not have material financing leases. Frequently, we enter into contractual relationships with a wide variety of transportation companies for freight capacity, and utilize those relationships to efficiently and cost-effectively arrange the transport of our customers’ freight. These contracts typically have a term of 12 months or less and do not allow us to direct the use or obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of a specifically identified asset. Accordingly, these agreements are not considered leases.
Our operating leases are included on the consolidated balance sheets as right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities. A right-of-use lease asset represents our right to use an underlying asset over the term of a lease, while a lease liability represents our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Current and noncurrent lease liabilities are recognized at
commencement date at the present value of lease payments, including non-lease components, which consist primarily of common area maintenance charges. Right-of-use lease assets are also recognized at commencement date as the total lease liability plus prepaid rents and less any deferred rent liability that existed under ASC 840, Leases, upon transition. As our leases typically do not provide an implicit rate, we use our fully collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is influenced by market interest rates, our credit rating, and lease term and as such, may differ for individual leases.
Our lease agreements typically do not contain variable lease payments, residual value guarantees, purchase options, or restrictive covenants. Many of our leases include the option to renew for a period of months to several years. The term of our leases may include the option to renew when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option although these occurrences are seldom. We have lease agreements with lease components (e.g., payments for rent) and non-lease components (e.g., payments for common area maintenance and parking), which are all accounted for as a single lease component.
In February 2020, we entered into a lease for warehouse space in Los Angeles, California which commences in February 2020 and is expected to result in a right-of-use lease asset and lease liability of approximately $38.7 million. There were no other material lease agreements that have not yet commenced that are expected to create significant rights or obligations as of December 31, 2019.
Information regarding lease expense, remaining lease term, discount rate, and other select lease information is presented below as of December 31, 2019, and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
Lease CostsTwelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
Operating lease expense$68,489  
Short-term lease expense11,440  
Total lease expense$79,929  

Other Lease InformationTwelve Months Ended December 31, 2019  
Operating cash outflows from operating leases$66,489  
Right-of-use lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities(1)
101,966  
________________________________ 
(1) The company obtained approximately $35.5 million of right-of-use lease assets in exchange for new lease liabilities related to a warehouse lease in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Lease Term and Discount RateAs of December 31, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)(1)
7.8
Weighted average discount rate3.4%  
________________________________ 
(1) The weighted average remaining lease term is significantly impacted by a 15-year lease related to office space in Chicago, IL, that commenced in 2018. Excluding this lease, the weighted average remaining lease term of our agreements is 5.2 years.
The maturity of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019, were as follows (in thousands):
Maturity of Lease LiabilitiesOperating Leases
2020$70,995  
202160,839  
202249,717  
202336,722  
202425,457  
Thereafter125,163  
Total lease payments368,893  
Less: Interest(48,169) 
Present value of lease liabilities$320,724  

Minimum future lease commitments under noncancelable lease agreements in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018, are as follows (in thousands):
2019$53,675  
202047,680  
202136,832  
202227,644  
202319,406  
Thereafter81,465  
Total lease payments$266,702  
In addition to minimum lease payments, we are typically responsible under our lease agreements to pay our pro rata share of maintenance expenses, common charges, and real estate taxes of the buildings in which we lease space. Under ASC 842 we have elected to account for non-lease components such as common area maintenance and parking as a single lease component.
v3.19.3.a.u2
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSSAccumulated other comprehensive loss is included in the Stockholders’ investment on our consolidated balance sheets. The recorded balance at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, was $76.1 million and $71.9 million, respectively, and is comprised solely of foreign currency adjustments.
v3.19.3.a.u2
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]  
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides another transition method no longer requiring application to previously reported periods. Therefore, prior period balances were not restated. We adopted Topic 842 during 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $265.4 million and $273.3 million, respectively, on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows. Refer to Note 11, Leases, for further information.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which amends existing guidance for reporting comprehensive income to reflect changes resulting from the Tax Act. The amendment provides the option to reclassify stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings. This amendment became effective for us on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and in November 2018 issued a subsequent amendment, ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. This update significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The update will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. The update will affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope of this amendment that have the contractual right to receive cash. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020. Prior period balances will not be restated. The adoption of this standard will impact our accounting policy for the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is a significant accounting policy, but the impact of adoption is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (UNAUDITED)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (UNAUDITED) SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (UNAUDITED)
Our unaudited results of operations for each of the quarters in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, are summarized below (in thousands, except per share data). 
2019
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Revenues:
Transportation
$3,504,932  $3,638,612  $3,608,346  $3,570,405  
Sourcing246,278  270,228  247,786  222,921  
Total revenues3,751,210  3,908,840  3,856,132  3,793,326  
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services2,853,256  2,972,998  2,999,979  3,013,200  
Purchased products sourced for resale219,154  240,626  222,722  201,263  
Personnel expenses340,098  338,886  320,563  298,981  
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses114,152  128,795  111,783  143,076  
Total costs and expenses3,526,660  3,681,305  3,655,047  3,656,520  
Income from operations224,550  227,535  201,085  136,806  
Net income$161,788  $169,180  $146,894  $99,106  
Basic net income per share$1.17  $1.23  $1.08  $0.73  
Diluted net income per share$1.16  $1.22  $1.07  $0.73  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding137,854  137,185  136,380  135,997  
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards1,101  1,071  1,096  624  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding138,955  138,256  137,476  136,621  


2018
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Revenues:
Transportation
$3,637,640  $3,953,139  $4,028,392  $3,896,750  
Sourcing287,687  322,898  263,508  241,158  
Total revenues3,925,327  4,276,037  4,291,900  4,137,908  
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services3,041,602  3,313,196  3,359,520  3,207,859  
Purchased products sourced for resale257,800  291,358  238,336  216,266  
Personnel expenses328,297  340,630  335,299  339,316  
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses106,043  111,845  112,772  118,950  
Total costs and expenses3,733,742  4,057,029  4,045,927  3,882,391  
Income from operations191,585  219,008  245,973  255,517  
Net income$142,297  $159,163  $175,895  $187,150  
Basic net income per share$1.02  $1.14  $1.27  $1.36  
Diluted net income per share$1.01  $1.13  $1.25  $1.34  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding140,032  139,464  138,797  137,797  
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards1,238  1,147  1,363  1,385  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding141,270  140,611  140,160  139,182  
v3.19.3.a.u2
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE II. VALUTAION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The transactions in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, were as follows (in thousands): 
201920182017
Balance, beginning of year$41,131  $42,409  $39,543  
Provision5,853  15,634  13,489  
Write-offs(14,146) (16,912) (10,623) 
Balance, end of year$32,838  $41,131  $42,409  

(b)  Index to Exhibits-Any document incorporated by reference is identified by a parenthetical referencing the SEC filing which included the document. We will furnish a copy of any Exhibit at no cost to a security holder upon request.
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION BASIS OF PRESENTATION. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. and our subsidiaries (“the company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) are a global provider of transportation services and logistics solutions through a network of offices operating in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. and our majority owned and controlled subsidiaries. Our minority interests in subsidiaries are not significant. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
USE OF ESTIMATES USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best information, and our actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
REVENUE RECOGNITION. At contract inception, we assess the goods and services promised in our contracts with customers and identify our performance obligations to provide distinct goods and services to our customers. We have determined that the following distinct goods and services represent our primary performance obligations.
Transportation and Logistics Services - As a third party logistics provider, our primary performance obligation under our customer contracts is to utilize our relationships with a wide variety of transportation companies to efficiently and cost-effectively transport our customers’ freight. Revenue is recognized for these performance obligations as they are satisfied over the contract term, which generally represents the transit period. The transit period can vary based upon the method of transport, generally a number of days for over the road, rail, and air transportation, or several weeks in the case of an ocean shipment. Determining the transit period and how much of it has been completed as of the reporting date may require management to make judgments that affect the timing of revenue recognized. When the customers’ freight reaches its intended destination our performance obligation is complete. Pricing for our services is generally a fixed amount and is typically due within 30 days upon completion of our performance obligation.
We also provide certain value-added logistics services, such as customs brokerage, fee-based managed services, warehousing services, small parcel, and supply chain consulting and optimization services. These services may include one or more performance obligations which are generally satisfied over the service period as we perform our obligations. The service period may be a very short duration, in the case of customs brokerage and small parcel, or it may be longer in the case of warehousing, managed services and supply chain consulting and optimization services. Pricing for our services is established in the customer contract and is dependent upon the specific needs of the customer but may be agreed upon at a fixed fee per transaction, labor hour, or service period. Payment is typically due within 30 days upon completion of our performance obligation.
Sourcing Services - We contract with grocery retailers, restaurants, foodservice distributors, and produce wholesalers to provide sourcing services under the trade name Robinson Fresh. Our primary service obligation under these contracts is the buying, selling, and/or marketing of produce including fresh fruits, vegetables, and other value-added perishable items. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligations under these contracts is satisfied at a point in time, generally when the produce is received by our customer. Pricing under these contracts is generally a fixed amount and is typically due within 30 days upon completion of our performance obligation.
In many cases, as additional performance obligations, we contract to arrange logistics and transportation of the products we buy, sell, and/or market. These performance obligations are satisfied over the contract term consistent with our other transportation and logistics services. The contract period is typically less than one year. Pricing for our services is generally a fixed amount and is typically due within 30 days upon completion of our performance obligation.
Total revenues represent the total dollar value of revenue recognized from contracts with customers for the goods and services we provide. Substantially all of our revenue is attributable to contracts with our customers. Our net revenues are our total revenues less purchased transportation and related services, including contracted motor carrier, rail, ocean, air, and other costs, and the purchase price and services related to the products we source. Most transactions in our transportation and sourcing businesses are recorded at the gross amount we charge our customers for the service we provide and goods we sell. In these transactions, we are primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified good or service to our customer and we have discretion in establishing the price for the specified good or service. Additionally, in our sourcing business, in some cases we take inventory risk before the specified good has been transferred to our customer. Customs brokerage, managed
services, freight forwarding, and sourcing managed procurement transactions are recorded at the net amount we charge our customers for the service we provide because many of the factors stated above are not present.
CONTRACT ASSETS CONTRACT ASSETS. Contract assets represent amounts for which we have the right to consideration for the services we have provided while a shipment is still in-transit but for which we have not yet completed our performance obligation or have not yet invoiced our customer. Upon completion of our performance obligations, which can vary in duration based upon the method of transport, and billing our customer these amounts become classified within accounts receivable and are then typically due within 30 days.
ACCRUED TRANSPORTATION EXPENSE ACCRUED TRANSPORTATION EXPENSE. Accrued transportation expense represents amounts we owe to vendors, primarily transportation providers, for the services they have provided while a shipment is still in-transit as of the reporting date.
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS. Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. We continuously monitor payments from our customers and maintain a provision for uncollectible accounts based upon our customer aging trends, historical loss experience, and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified.
FOREIGN CURRENCY FOREIGN CURRENCY. Most balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are remeasured and translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the year. Translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income. Statement of operations items are translated at the average exchange rate during the year.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of bank deposits and highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the time of purchase.
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER. Prepaid expenses and other include such items as software maintenance contracts, insurance premiums, other prepaid operating expenses, and inventories, consisting primarily of produce and related products held for resale.
RIGHT-OF-USE LEASE ASSETS AND LEASE LIABILITIES
RIGHT-OF-USE LEASE ASSETS. Right-of-use lease assets are recognized upon lease commencement and represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term.
LEASE LIABILITIES. Lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date and represent our obligation to make the lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT. Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.
GOODWILL GOODWILL. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the net of the fair value of identifiable tangible net assets and identifiable intangible assets purchased and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (November 30 for us) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Other intangible assets include definite-lived customer lists, non-competition agreements, and indefinite-lived trademarks. The definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated lives, ranging from five to eight years. Definite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The indefinite-lived trademarks are not amortized. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, or annually, at a minimum.
OTHER ASSETS OTHER ASSETS. Other assets consist primarily of purchased and internally developed software, and the investments related to our nonqualified deferred compensation plan. We amortize software using the straight-line method over three years.
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates.
Annual tax provisions include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year tax returns; however, the amount ultimately paid upon resolution of issues raised may differ from the amounts accrued.
The financial statement benefits of an uncertain income tax position are recognized when more likely than not, based on the technical merits, the position will be sustained upon examination. Unrecognized tax benefits are, more likely than not, owed to a taxing authority, and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated. Uncertain income tax positions are included in “Accrued income taxes” or “Noncurrent income taxes payable” in the consolidated balance sheets.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS). Comprehensive income (loss) consists primarily of foreign currency translation adjustments. It is presented on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income gross of related income tax effects.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. We issue stock awards, including stock options, performance shares, and restricted stock units, to key employees and outside directors. In general, the awards vest over five years, either based on the company’s earnings growth or the passage of time. The related compensation expense for each award is recognized over the appropriate vesting period. The fair value of each share-based payment award is established on the date of grant. For grants of shares and restricted stock units, the fair value is established based on the market price on the date of the grant, discounted for post-vesting holding restrictions. The discounts on outstanding grants vary from 12 percent to 22 percent and are calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model-protective put method. Changes in measured stock volatility and interest rates are the primary reason for changes in the discount.
For grants of options, we use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards. The determination of the fair value of share-based awards is affected by our stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Accounting guidance on fair value measurements for certain financial assets and liabilities requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1-Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2-Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3-Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions or external inputs from inactive markets.
A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRNOUNCEMENTS RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides another transition method no longer requiring application to previously reported periods. Therefore, prior period balances were not restated. We adopted Topic 842 during 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $265.4 million and $273.3 million, respectively, on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows. Refer to Note 11, Leases, for further information.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which amends existing guidance for reporting comprehensive income to reflect changes resulting from the Tax Act. The amendment provides the option to reclassify stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings. This amendment became effective for us on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and in November 2018 issued a subsequent amendment, ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. This update significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The update will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. The update will affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope of this amendment that have the contractual right to receive cash. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020. Prior period balances will not be restated. The adoption of this standard will impact our accounting policy for the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is a significant accounting policy, but the impact of adoption is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Property and Equipment and Depreciation Expense
We recognized the following depreciation expense (in thousands): 
2019$45,016  
201845,155  
201742,817  
A summary of our property and equipment as of December 31, is as follows (in thousands): 
20192018
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment$283,378  $272,733  
Buildings112,410  130,959  
Corporate aircraft11,461  11,337  
Leasehold improvements61,539  58,929  
Land20,146  23,648  
Construction in progress1,042  1,241  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization(281,553) (270,546) 
Net property and equipment$208,423  $228,301  
Schedule of Amortization Expense of Software We recognized the following amortization expense of purchased and internally developed software (in thousands): 
2019$17,023  
201814,688  
201713,887  
Schedule of Purchased and Internally Developed Software
A summary of our purchased and internally developed software as of December 31, is as follows (in thousands): 
20192018
Purchased software$34,026  $32,460  
Internally developed software100,894  68,853  
Less accumulated amortization(83,158) (66,638) 
Net software$51,762  $34,675  
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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Goodwill The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):
NAST(1)
Global Forwarding
All Other and Corporate(1)
Total
December 31, 2017 balance$1,029,122  $185,873  $60,821  $1,275,816  
Acquisitions(40) 33  —  (7) 
Foreign currency translation(12,298) (3,877) (712) (16,887) 
December 31, 2018 balance1,016,784  182,029  60,109  1,258,922  
Acquisitions—  25,892  7,771  33,663  
Foreign currency translation(1,214) 499  (110) (825) 
December 31, 2019 balance$1,015,570  $208,420  $67,770  $1,291,760  
________________________________ 
(1) Goodwill was reallocated between the NAST and Robinson Fresh segments due to the reorganization discussed in Note 9, Segment Reporting. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
Schedule of Intangible Assets Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands): 
20192018
CostAccumulated AmortizationNetCostAccumulated AmortizationNet
Finite-lived intangibles
Customer relationships$237,335  $(156,879) $80,456  $254,293  $(156,006) $98,287  
Non-competition agreements—  —  —  300  (240) 60  
Total finite-lived intangibles237,335  (156,879) 80,456  254,593  (156,246) 98,347  
Indefinite-lived intangibles
Trademarks10,475  —  10,475  10,475  —  10,475  
Total intangibles$247,810  $(156,879) $90,931  $265,068  $(156,246) $108,822  
Schedule of Amortization Expense
Amortization expense for other intangible assets was (in thousands): 
2019$38,410  
201836,886  
201736,273  
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense
Finite-lived intangible assets, by reportable segment, as of December 31, 2019, will be amortized over their remaining lives as follows (in thousands):
NAST  Global Forwarding  All Other and Corporate  Total  
2020$250  $28,023  $610  $28,883  
2021250  14,502  610  15,362  
2022250  14,502  610  15,362  
2023250  11,930  610  12,790  
2024167  3,648  610  4,425  
Thereafter—  2,771  863  3,634  
Total$80,456  
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FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Short-term and Long-term Debt
The components of our short-term and long-term debt and the associated interest rates were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Average interest rate as ofCarrying value as of
December 31, 2019December 31, 2018MaturityDecember 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Revolving credit facility— %3.64 %October 2023$—  $5,000  
Senior Notes, Series A3.97 %3.97 %August 2023175,000  175,000  
Senior Notes, Series B4.26 %4.26 %August 2028150,000  150,000  
Senior Notes, Series C4.60 %4.60 %August 2033175,000  175,000  
Receivables securitization facility (1)
2.41 %3.15 %December 2020142,885  249,744  
Senior Notes (1)
4.20 %4.20 %April 2028592,448  591,608  
Total debt1,235,333  1,346,352  
Less: Current maturities and short-term borrowing(142,885) (5,000) 
Long-term debt$1,092,448  $1,341,352  
________________________________ 
(1) Net of unamortized discounts and issuance costs.
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INCOME TAXES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Income before Provision for Income Taxes
Income before provision for income taxes consisted of (in thousands):
201920182017
Domestic$649,742  $738,927  $638,718  
Foreign92,515  141,346  89,745  
Total$742,257  $880,273  $728,463  
Summary of Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows (in thousands): 
201920182017
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period$31,515  $31,806  $12,268  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year2,212  —  4,014  
Additions for tax positions of prior years2,148  1,662  16,713  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years—  (263) —  
Lapse in statute of limitations(1,703) (1,394) (1,189) 
Settlements(234) (296) —  
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of the period$33,938  $31,515  $31,806  
Schedule of Components of Provision for Income Taxes
The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 
201920182017
Tax provision:
Federal$106,009  $152,627  $189,708  
State25,788  38,626  29,320  
Foreign35,899  39,830  32,638  
167,696  231,083  251,666  
Deferred provision (benefit):
Federal1,554  (11,969) (21,389) 
State316  (3,176) (3,048) 
Foreign(4,277) (170) (3,659) 
(2,407) (15,315) (28,096) 
Total provision$165,289  $215,768  $223,570  
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes using the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, is as follows:  
201920182017
Federal statutory rate21.0 %21.0 %35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit2.8  3.3  2.6  
Tax Act impact—  0.4  (1.7) 
Section 199 deduction—  —  (2.8) 
Share-based payment awards(0.9) (0.7) (1.9) 
Excess foreign tax credits(1.5) —  —  
Foreign1.7  0.6  (0.9) 
Other(0.8) (0.1) 0.4  
Effective income tax rate22.3 %24.5 %30.7 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following at December 31 (in thousands): 
20192018
Deferred tax assets:
Lease liabilities$77,879  $—  
Compensation54,226  57,666  
Accrued expenses23,179  27,683  
Receivables5,086  8,093  
Other7,417  6,004  
Deferred tax liabilities:
Right-of-use assets(75,352) —  
Intangible assets(73,166) (77,059) 
Accrued revenue(14,893) (19,571) 
Prepaid assets(4,660) (5,798) 
Long-lived assets(15,134) (15,615) 
Other(10,873) (7,167) 
Net deferred tax liabilities$(26,291) $(25,764) 
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CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense A summary of our total compensation expense recognized within personnel expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for stock-based compensation is as follows (in thousands):
201920182017
Stock options$16,073  $23,374  $10,109  
Stock awards20,170  61,826  29,217  
Company expense on ESPP discount2,840  2,591  2,479  
Total stock-based compensation expense$39,083  $87,791  $41,805  
Schedule of Stock Option Activity
The following schedule summarizes stock option activity in the plans. All outstanding unvested options as of December 31, 2019, relate to time-based grants from 2015 through 2019.
OptionsWeighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Average
Remaining
Life
(years)
Outstanding at December 31, 20187,822,514  $74.42  $85,222  7.2
Grants151,040  82.46  
Exercised(725,685) 65.58  
Forfeitures(197,677) 77.87  
Outstanding at December 31, 20197,050,192  $75.40  $44,067  6.4
Vested at December 31, 20194,507,070  $71.17  5.6
Exercisable at December 31, 20194,507,070  $71.17  5.6
Schedule of Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised
Information on the intrinsic value of options exercised is as follows (in thousands):
2019$15,862  
201816,209  
20176,026  
Schedule of Unvested Stock Option Grants The following table summarizes these unvested stock option grants as of December 31, 2019:
First Vesting DateLast Vesting DateOptions
Granted, Net of
Forfeitures
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Unvested Options  
December 31, 2016December 31, 20201,421,432  $12.66  280,033  
December 31, 2017December 31, 20211,238,090  12.60  484,683  
December 31, 2018December 31, 20221,447,294  14.25  855,028  
December 31, 2019December 31, 20231,159,662  20.13  923,378  
5,266,478  $14.73  2,543,122  
Schedule of Option Pricing Model Valuation Assumptions
The fair value per option was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: 
2019 Grants2018 Grants2017 Grants
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate2.1%  3.1%  2.3%  
Expected dividend yield2.0%  2.0%  2.5%  
Weighted-average volatility25%  25%  20%  
Expected term (in years)6.086.086.20
Weighted average fair value per option$17.52  $20.52  $14.23  
Schedule of Performance Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units
The following table summarizes our unvested performance-based restricted shares and restricted stock unit grants as of December 31, 2019: 
Number of Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock UnitsWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2018846,170  $68.35  
Granted38,340  68.10  
Vested—  —  
Forfeitures(42,717) 63.24  
Unvested at December 31, 2019841,793  $68.68  
The following table summarizes performance based restricted shares and restricted stock units by vesting period: 
First Vesting DateLast Vesting DatePerformance Shares and Stock Units
Granted, Net of
Forfeitures
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value (1)
Unvested Performance Shares and Restricted Stock Units
December 31, 2016December 31, 2020388,578  $51.88  138,268  
December 31, 2017December 31, 2021338,693  64.91  161,722  
December 31, 2018December 31, 2022310,713  74.26  176,265  
December 31, 2019December 31, 2023365,538  73.82  365,538  
1,403,522  $65.59  841,793  
________________________________ 
(1) Amount shown is the weighted average grant date fair value of performance-based restricted shares and restricted stock units granted, net of forfeitures.
Schedule of Unvested Time-Based Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Grants
The following table summarizes our unvested time-based restricted share and restricted stock unit grants as of December 31, 2019: 
Number of Restricted
Shares and Stock Units
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2018926,692  $67.08  
Granted40,309  72.07  
Vested(291,318) 63.93  
Forfeitures(61,242) 67.66  
Unvested at December 31, 2019614,441  $68.76  
Schedule of Fair Value Stock Awards Vested
A summary of the fair value of stock awards vested (in thousands): 
2019$20,170  
201861,826  
201729,217  
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity The following is a summary of the employee stock purchase plan activity (dollar amounts in thousands): 
Shares Purchased
By Employees
Aggregate Cost
to Employees
Expense Recognized
By the Company
2019224,596  $16,093  $2,840  
2018191,823  14,682  2,591  
2017215,613  14,048  2,479  
Schedule of Share Repurchase Program Activity The activity under these authorizations is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
Shares RepurchasedTotal Value of Shares
Repurchased
2017 Repurchases2,426,407  $179,985  
2018 Repurchases3,319,077  303,492  
2019 Repurchases3,434,102  306,444  
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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan Expense Defined contribution plan expense, including matching contributions, was approximately (in thousands): 
2019$42,491  
201843,172  
201727,530  
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ACQUISITIONS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Estimated Useful Lives
Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful lives are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Life (years)
Customer relationships7$4,252  
Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful lives are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Life (years)
Customer relationships7$16,439  
Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful lives are as follows (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Life (years)
Customer relationships7$14,004  
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SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Summary of Segment Information
Reportable segment information as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
NAST  Global ForwardingAll Other and CorporateConsolidated
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
Total Revenues$11,283,692  $2,327,913  $1,697,903  $15,309,508  
Net Revenues1,797,369  533,976  254,965  2,586,310  
Income (loss) from operations722,763  80,527  (13,314) 789,976  
Depreciation and amortization24,508  36,720  39,221  100,449  
Total assets (1)
2,550,010  1,021,592  1,069,458  4,641,060  
Average headcount7,354  4,766  3,431  15,551  
________________________________ 
(1) All cash and cash equivalents and certain owned properties are included in All Other and Corporate.
NAST(1)
Global Forwarding
All Other and Corporate(1)
Consolidated
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
Total Revenues$12,346,757  $2,487,744  $1,796,671  $16,631,172  
Net Revenues1,906,261  543,906  255,068  2,705,235  
Income (loss) from operations821,844  91,626  (1,387) 912,083  
Depreciation and amortization25,290  35,148  36,291  96,729  
Total assets(2)
2,567,120  969,736  890,556  4,427,412  
Average headcount7,387  4,711  3,106  15,204  
________________________________ 
(1) Amounts have been reclassified to reflect the segment reorganization announced in the first quarter of 2019.
(2) All cash and cash equivalents and certain owned properties are included in All Other and Corporate.
NAST(1)
Global Forwarding
All Other and Corporate(1)
Consolidated
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017
Total Revenues$10,728,835  $2,140,987  $1,999,558  $14,869,380  
Net Revenues1,626,174  485,280  256,596  2,368,050  
Income from operations661,108  91,842  22,169  775,119  
Depreciation and amortization23,866  33,308  35,803  92,977  
Total assets (2)
2,506,137  821,182  908,515  4,235,834  
Average headcount7,316  4,310  3,061  14,687  
________________________________ 
(1) Amounts have been reclassified to reflect the segment reorganization announced in the first quarter of 2019.
(2) All cash and cash equivalents and certain owned properties are included in All Other and Corporate.
Schedule of Total Revenues and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Regions
The following table presents our total revenues (based on location of the customer) and long-lived assets (including intangible and other assets) by geographic regions (in thousands): 
For the year ended December 31,
201920182017
Total revenues
United States$13,143,522  $14,370,454  $12,865,087  
Other locations2,165,986  2,260,718  2,004,293  
Total revenues$15,309,508  $16,631,172  $14,869,380  

As of December 31,
2019(1)
20182017
Long-lived assets
United States$489,129  $321,766  $335,072  
Other locations206,567  83,657  107,140  
Total long-lived assets$695,696  $405,423  $442,212  
________________________________ 
(1) Includes $216.4 million and $94.4 million of right-of-use lease assets within the United States and other locations, respectively.
v3.19.3.a.u2
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Impact of Adoption of ASU 2014-09
The impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was as follows (dollars in thousands).
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
As reportedBalances without adoption of ASU 2014-09Effect of change
higher / (lower)
Income Statement
Revenues:
Transportation$14,322,295  $14,336,820  $(14,525) 
Sourcing (1)
987,213  1,128,208  (140,995) 
Total revenues15,309,508  15,465,028  (155,520) 
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services11,839,433  11,848,665  (9,232) 
Purchased products sourced for resale (1)
883,765  1,024,760  (140,995) 
Personnel expenses1,298,528  1,299,087  (559) 
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses497,806  497,806  —  
Total costs and expenses14,519,532  14,670,318  (150,786) 
Income from operations789,976  794,710  (4,734) 
Interest and other expense(47,719) (47,719) —  
Income before provision for income taxes742,257  746,991  (4,734) 
Provision for income taxes165,289  166,502  (1,213) 
Net income$576,968  $580,489  $(3,521) 
________________________________ 
(1) We have identified certain customer contracts in our sourcing managed procurement business that changed from a principal to an agent relationship under the new standard. This change resulted in these contracts being recognized at the net amount we charge our customers but had no impact on income from operations.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
As reportedBalances without adoption of ASU 2014-09Effect of change
higher / (lower)
Income Statement
Revenues:
Transportation$15,515,921  $15,462,328  $53,593  
Sourcing (1)
1,115,251  1,235,713  (120,462) 
Total revenues16,631,172  16,698,041  (66,869) 
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services12,922,177  12,875,875  46,302  
Purchased products sourced for resale (1)
1,003,760  1,124,222  (120,462) 
Personnel expenses1,343,542  1,343,159  383  
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses449,610  449,610  —  
Total costs and expenses15,719,089  15,792,866  (73,777) 
Income from operations912,083  905,175  6,908  
Interest and other expense(31,810) (31,810) —  
Income before provision for income taxes880,273  873,365  6,908  
Provision for income taxes215,768  213,882  1,886  
Net income$664,505  $659,483  $5,022  
________________________________ 
(1) We have identified certain customer contracts in our sourcing managed procurement business that changed from a principal to an agent relationship under the new standard. This change resulted in these contracts being recognized at the net amount we charge our customers but had no impact on income from operations.
Schedule of Total Revenues Disaggregated by Major Service Line and Timing of Revenue Recognition
A summary of our total revenues disaggregated by major service line and timing of revenue recognition is presented below for each of our reportable segments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, as follows (dollars in thousands):
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
NASTGlobal ForwardingAll Other and CorporateTotal
Major service lines:
Transportation and logistics services(1)
$11,283,692  $2,327,913  $710,690  $14,322,295  
Sourcing(2)
—  —  987,213  987,213  
Total$11,283,692  $2,327,913  $1,697,903  $15,309,508  
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
NASTGlobal ForwardingAll Other and CorporateTotal
Major service lines:
Transportation and logistics services(1)
$12,346,757  $2,487,744  $681,420  $15,515,921  
Sourcing(2)
—  —  1,115,251  1,115,251  
Total$12,346,757  $2,487,744  $1,796,671  $16,631,172  
________________________________ 
(1) Transportation and logistics services performance obligations are completed over time.
(2) Sourcing performance obligations are completed at a point in time.
v3.19.3.a.u2
LEASES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of Lease Expense, Remaining Lease Terms, Discount Rate and Other Information
Information regarding lease expense, remaining lease term, discount rate, and other select lease information is presented below as of December 31, 2019, and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
Lease CostsTwelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
Operating lease expense$68,489  
Short-term lease expense11,440  
Total lease expense$79,929  

Other Lease InformationTwelve Months Ended December 31, 2019  
Operating cash outflows from operating leases$66,489  
Right-of-use lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities(1)
101,966  
________________________________ 
(1) The company obtained approximately $35.5 million of right-of-use lease assets in exchange for new lease liabilities related to a warehouse lease in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Lease Term and Discount RateAs of December 31, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)(1)
7.8
Weighted average discount rate3.4%  
________________________________ 
(1) The weighted average remaining lease term is significantly impacted by a 15-year lease related to office space in Chicago, IL, that commenced in 2018. Excluding this lease, the weighted average remaining lease term of our agreements is 5.2 years.
Schedule of Maturity of Lease Liabilities
The maturity of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019, were as follows (in thousands):
Maturity of Lease LiabilitiesOperating Leases
2020$70,995  
202160,839  
202249,717  
202336,722  
202425,457  
Thereafter125,163  
Total lease payments368,893  
Less: Interest(48,169) 
Present value of lease liabilities$320,724  
Schedule of Minimum Future Lase Commitments Under Noncancelable Lease Agreements at Prior Year End
Minimum future lease commitments under noncancelable lease agreements in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018, are as follows (in thousands):
2019$53,675  
202047,680  
202136,832  
202227,644  
202319,406  
Thereafter81,465  
Total lease payments$266,702  
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
Our unaudited results of operations for each of the quarters in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, are summarized below (in thousands, except per share data). 
2019
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Revenues:
Transportation
$3,504,932  $3,638,612  $3,608,346  $3,570,405  
Sourcing246,278  270,228  247,786  222,921  
Total revenues3,751,210  3,908,840  3,856,132  3,793,326  
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services2,853,256  2,972,998  2,999,979  3,013,200  
Purchased products sourced for resale219,154  240,626  222,722  201,263  
Personnel expenses340,098  338,886  320,563  298,981  
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses114,152  128,795  111,783  143,076  
Total costs and expenses3,526,660  3,681,305  3,655,047  3,656,520  
Income from operations224,550  227,535  201,085  136,806  
Net income$161,788  $169,180  $146,894  $99,106  
Basic net income per share$1.17  $1.23  $1.08  $0.73  
Diluted net income per share$1.16  $1.22  $1.07  $0.73  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding137,854  137,185  136,380  135,997  
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards1,101  1,071  1,096  624  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding138,955  138,256  137,476  136,621  


2018
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Revenues:
Transportation
$3,637,640  $3,953,139  $4,028,392  $3,896,750  
Sourcing287,687  322,898  263,508  241,158  
Total revenues3,925,327  4,276,037  4,291,900  4,137,908  
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services3,041,602  3,313,196  3,359,520  3,207,859  
Purchased products sourced for resale257,800  291,358  238,336  216,266  
Personnel expenses328,297  340,630  335,299  339,316  
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses106,043  111,845  112,772  118,950  
Total costs and expenses3,733,742  4,057,029  4,045,927  3,882,391  
Income from operations191,585  219,008  245,973  255,517  
Net income$142,297  $159,163  $175,895  $187,150  
Basic net income per share$1.02  $1.14  $1.27  $1.36  
Diluted net income per share$1.01  $1.13  $1.25  $1.34  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding140,032  139,464  138,797  137,797  
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards1,238  1,147  1,363  1,385  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding141,270  140,611  140,160  139,182  
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 447,858 $ 378,615
Minimum    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life (in years) 5 years  
Maximum    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life (in years) 8 years  
Stock Awards    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Stock award vesting period (in years) 5 years  
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units | Minimum    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Shares and restricted units grants, discount for post-vesting holding restrictions (percent) 12.00%  
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units | Maximum    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Shares and restricted units grants, discount for post-vesting holding restrictions (percent) 22.00%  
Software    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life (in years) 3 years  
Held outside the United States    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 405,100 $ 320,000
Transportation services    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
General payment terms upon completion of performance obligation 30 days  
Value-added logistics services    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
General payment terms upon completion of performance obligation 30 days  
Sourcing Services    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
General payment terms upon completion of performance obligation 30 days  
Logistics and Transportation    
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
General payment terms upon completion of performance obligation 30 days  
Typical contract period, maximum (in years) 1 year  
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Depreciation Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]      
Depreciation expense $ 45,016 $ 45,155 $ 42,817
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Summary of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment $ 489,976 $ 498,847
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (281,553) (270,546)
Net property and equipment 208,423 228,301
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment 283,378 272,733
Buildings    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment 112,410 130,959
Corporate aircraft    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment 11,461 11,337
Leasehold improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment 61,539 58,929
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment 20,146 23,648
Construction in progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment $ 1,042 $ 1,241
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Amortization Expense of Purchased and Internally Developed Software (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]      
Amortization of purchased and internally developed software $ 17,023 $ 14,688 $ 13,887
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Summary of Purchased and Internally Developed Software (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Software [Line Items]    
Less accumulated amortization $ (83,158) $ (66,638)
Net software 51,762 34,675
Purchased software    
Software [Line Items]    
Software 34,026 32,460
Internally developed software    
Software [Line Items]    
Software $ 100,894 $ 68,853
v3.19.3.a.u2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]      
Goodwill or intangible asset impairment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.3.a.u2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 1,258,922 $ 1,275,816
Acquisitions 33,663  
Acquisitions and adjustments   (7)
Foreign currency translation (825) (16,887)
Ending balance 1,291,760 1,258,922
NAST    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 1,016,784 1,029,122
Acquisitions 0  
Acquisitions and adjustments   (40)
Foreign currency translation (1,214) (12,298)
Ending balance 1,015,570 1,016,784
Global Forwarding    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 182,029 185,873
Acquisitions 25,892  
Acquisitions and adjustments   33
Foreign currency translation 499 (3,877)
Ending balance 208,420 182,029
All Other and Corporate    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 60,109 60,821
Acquisitions 7,771  
Acquisitions and adjustments   0
Foreign currency translation (110) (712)
Ending balance $ 67,770 $ 60,109
v3.19.3.a.u2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Finite-lived intangibles    
Finite-lived intangibles, Cost $ 237,335 $ 254,593
Accumulated Amortization (156,879) (156,246)
Intangible assets, net 80,456 98,347
Indefinite-lived intangibles    
Total intangibles, Cost 247,810 265,068
Total intangibles, Net 90,931 108,822
Trademarks    
Indefinite-lived intangibles    
Indefinite-lived intangibles 10,475 10,475
Customer relationships    
Finite-lived intangibles    
Finite-lived intangibles, Cost 237,335 254,293
Accumulated Amortization (156,879) (156,006)
Intangible assets, net 80,456 98,287
Non-competition agreements    
Finite-lived intangibles    
Finite-lived intangibles, Cost 0 300
Accumulated Amortization 0 (240)
Intangible assets, net $ 0 $ 60
v3.19.3.a.u2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Amortization Expense of Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Other Intangible Assets      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Amortization expense $ 38,410 $ 36,886 $ 36,273
v3.19.3.a.u2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Estimated Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Estimated amortization expense    
2020 $ 28,883  
2021 15,362  
2022 15,362  
2023 12,790  
2024 4,425  
Thereafter 3,634  
Intangible assets, net 80,456 $ 98,347
NAST    
Estimated amortization expense    
2020 250  
2021 250  
2022 250  
2023 250  
2024 167  
Thereafter 0  
Global Forwarding    
Estimated amortization expense    
2020 28,023  
2021 14,502  
2022 14,502  
2023 11,930  
2024 3,648  
Thereafter 2,771  
All Other and Corporate    
Estimated amortization expense    
2020 610  
2021 610  
2022 610  
2023 610  
2024 610  
Thereafter $ 863  
v3.19.3.a.u2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Level 3    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Assets or liabilities at fair value $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.3.a.u2
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS - Components of Short-term and Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Carrying value $ 1,235,333 $ 1,346,352
Less: Current maturities and short-term borrowing (142,885) (5,000)
Long-term debt $ 1,092,448 $ 1,341,352
Line of Credit | Revolving credit facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Average interest rate (percent) 0.00% 3.64%
Carrying value $ 0 $ 5,000
Senior Notes | Series A Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Average interest rate (percent) 3.97% 3.97%
Carrying value $ 175,000 $ 175,000
Senior Notes | Series B Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Average interest rate (percent) 4.26% 4.26%
Carrying value $ 150,000 $ 150,000
Senior Notes | Series C Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Average interest rate (percent) 4.60% 4.60%
Carrying value $ 175,000 $ 175,000
Secured Debt | Receivables securitization facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Average interest rate (percent) 2.41% 3.15%
Carrying value $ 142,885 $ 249,744
Unsecured Debt | Senior Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Average interest rate (percent) 4.20% 4.20%
Carrying value $ 592,448 $ 591,608
v3.19.3.a.u2
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS - Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 17, 2018
USD ($)
Apr. 09, 2018
Aug. 27, 2013
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Carrying value $ 1,235,333,000 $ 1,346,352,000      
Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement due 2023          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,000,000,000        
Maximum leverage ratio 3.50        
Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement due 2023 | Federal Funds Rate          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Basis spread on variable rate (percent) 0.50%        
Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement due 2023 | LIBOR          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Basis spread on variable rate (percent) 1.13%        
Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement due 2023 | Minimum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Commitment fee (percent) 0.075%        
Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement due 2023 | Maximum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Commitment fee (percent) 0.20%        
Senior Notes          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Long-term debt fair value $ 539,300,000        
Senior Notes | Note Purchase Agreement          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Maximum leverage ratio 3.00        
Debt instrument principal amount         $ 500,000,000
Minimum interest coverage ratio 2.00        
Maximum priority debt to total assets ratio (percent) 15.00%        
Debt instrument, redemption price (percent) 100.00%        
Secured Debt | Receivables securitization facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Carrying value $ 142,885,000 249,744,000      
Secured Debt | Receivables securitization facility | Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and Bank of America N.A.          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Maximum borrowing capacity     $ 250,000,000    
Unsecured Debt | Senior Notes Due 2028          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Long-term debt fair value $ 659,900,000        
Debt instrument, redemption price (percent) 101.00%        
Debt instrument annual interest rate (percent)       4.20%  
Debt Instrument effective yield (percent)       4.39%  
Carrying value $ 592,448,000 $ 591,608,000      
Threshold for holders of principal outstanding to declare principal and unpaid interest payable (percent) 25.00%        
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]        
Tax expense related to foreign withholding taxes $ 13,900 $ 35,899 $ 39,830 $ 32,638
Tax benefits related to excess foreign tax credits 11,100      
Tax benefit related to foreign exchange losses on previously taxed income 1,800      
Increase in income tax payable due to repatriation of foreign earnings   3,900    
Unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties, all of which would affect our effective tax rate if recognized 39,900 39,900    
Expected decrease in unrecognized tax benefits in next twelve months due to lapsing statutes 3,100 3,100    
Interest and penalties recognized   1,000 1,000 $ 700
Interest and penalties accrued 6,000 6,000 6,500  
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards tax effect 11,100 11,100 8,100  
Foreign operating loss carryforwards        
Income Taxes [Line Items]        
Valuation allowance against deferred tax asset $ 8,500 $ 8,500 $ 6,400  
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES - Income Before Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Domestic $ 649,742 $ 738,927 $ 638,718
Foreign 92,515 141,346 89,745
Income before provision for income taxes $ 742,257 $ 880,273 $ 728,463
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, excluding Interest and Penalties (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]      
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period $ 31,515 $ 31,806 $ 12,268
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 2,212 0 4,014
Additions for tax positions of prior years 2,148 1,662 16,713
Reductions for tax positions of prior years 0 (263) 0
Lapse in statute of limitations (1,703) (1,394) (1,189)
Settlements (234) (296) 0
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of the period $ 33,938 $ 31,515 $ 31,806
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Tax provision:        
Federal   $ 106,009 $ 152,627 $ 189,708
State   25,788 38,626 29,320
Foreign $ 13,900 35,899 39,830 32,638
Current tax provision   167,696 231,083 251,666
Deferred provision (benefit):        
Federal   1,554 (11,969) (21,389)
State   316 (3,176) (3,048)
Foreign   (4,277) (170) (3,659)
Deferred tax provision (benefit)   (2,407) (15,315) (28,096)
Total provision   $ 165,289 $ 215,768 $ 223,570
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of the Provision for Income Taxes using Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to the Effective Income Tax Rate (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Federal statutory rate 21.00% 21.00% 35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.80% 3.30% 2.60%
Tax Act impact 0.00% 0.40% (1.70%)
Section 199 deduction 0.00% 0.00% (2.80%)
Share-based payment awards (0.90%) (0.70%) (1.90%)
Excess foreign tax credits (1.50%) 0.00% 0.00%
Foreign 1.70% 0.60% (0.90%)
Other (0.80%) (0.10%) 0.40%
Effective income tax rate 22.30% 24.50% 30.70%
v3.19.3.a.u2
INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:    
Lease liabilities $ 77,879 $ 0
Compensation 54,226 57,666
Accrued expenses 23,179 27,683
Receivables 5,086 8,093
Other 7,417 6,004
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Right-of-use assets (75,352) 0
Intangible assets (73,166) (77,059)
Accrued revenue (14,893) (19,571)
Prepaid assets (4,660) (5,798)
Long-lived assets (15,134) (15,615)
Other (10,873) (7,167)
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (26,291) $ (25,764)
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Narrative (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
May 09, 2019
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
vote
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2018
$ / shares
shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)   20,000,000   20,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 0.10   $ 0.10
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)   0   0
Common stock, authorized (in shares)   480,000,000   480,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 0.10   $ 0.10
Entitled vote for each share of common stock (vote) | vote   1    
Increase in number of shares authorized for award (in shares) 4,000,000      
Maximum number of shares that can be granted under stock plan (in shares) 17,041,803      
Shares available for stock awards (in shares)   5,300,634    
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options | $   $ 40.4    
Stock Options        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)   3,348,501    
Stock Options        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock award vesting period (in years)     5 years  
Performance Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock award vesting period (in years)   5 years    
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock awards | $   $ 99.3    
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units | Minimum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Restricted shares and restricted stock unit grants, discount for post-vesting holding restrictions (percent)   12.00%    
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Restricted shares and restricted stock unit grants, discount for post-vesting holding restrictions (percent)   22.00%    
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Summary of Total Compensation Expense Recognized in Statements of Operations for Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 39,083 $ 87,791 $ 41,805
Stock Options      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 16,073 23,374 10,109
Stock awards      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 20,170 61,826 29,217
Company Expense on ESPP discount      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 2,840 $ 2,591 $ 2,479
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Options    
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) 7,822,514  
Grants (in shares) 151,040  
Exercised (in shares) (725,685)  
Forfeitures (in shares) (197,677)  
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) 7,050,192 7,822,514
Vested (in shares) 4,507,070  
Exercisable (in shares) 4,507,070  
Weighted Average Exercise Price    
Outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share) $ 74.42  
Grants (in dollars per share) 82.46  
Exercised (in dollars per share) 65.58  
Terminated (in dollars per share) 77.87  
Outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share) 75.40 $ 74.42
Vested (in dollars per share) 71.17  
Exercisable (in dollars per share) $ 71.17  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)    
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value $ 44,067 $ 85,222
Average Remaining Life (years)    
Outstanding, average remaining life (in years) 6 years 4 months 24 days 7 years 2 months 12 days
Vested, average remaining life (in years) 5 years 7 months 6 days  
Exercisable, average remaining life (in years) 5 years 7 months 6 days  
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]      
Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 15,862 $ 16,209 $ 6,026
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Summary of Stock Options Grants by First Vesting Date (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Feb. 05, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Options granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   5,266,478  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 14.73  
Unvested options (in shares)   2,543,122  
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)   $ 82.46  
Stock Options      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock award vesting period (in years)     5 years
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2016      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Options granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   1,421,432  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 12.66  
Unvested options (in shares)   280,033  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2017      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Options granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   1,238,090  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 12.60  
Unvested options (in shares)   484,683  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2018      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Options granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   1,447,294  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 14.25  
Unvested options (in shares)   855,028  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2019      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Options granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   1,159,662  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 20.13  
Unvested options (in shares)   923,378  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2020 | Subsequent Event      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Options granted, net of forfeitures (in shares) 1,660,548    
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 13.88    
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 72.74    
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2020 | Stock Options | Subsequent Event      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock award vesting period (in years) 5 years    
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Assumptions Used in Estimating the Fair Value Per Option (Details) - Stock Options - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]      
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate (percent) 2.10% 3.10% 2.30%
Expected dividend yield (percent) 2.00% 2.00% 2.50%
Weighted-average volatility (percent) 25.00% 25.00% 20.00%
Expected term (in years) 6 years 29 days 6 years 29 days 6 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average fair value per option (in dollars per share) $ 17.52 $ 20.52 $ 14.23
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Summary of Unvested Performance-Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units (Details) - Performance Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
$ / shares
shares
Number of Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units  
Unvested, beginning balance (in shares) | shares 846,170
Granted (in shares) | shares 38,340
Vested (in shares) | shares 0
Forfeitures (in shares) | shares (42,717)
Unvested, ending balance (in shares) | shares 841,793
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  
Unvested, beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 68.35
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 68.10
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 0
Forfeitures (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 63.24
Unvested, ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 68.68
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Summary of Performance-Based Shares and Units by First Vesting Date (Details) - Performance Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Feb. 05, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Performance shares and stock units granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   1,403,522  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 65.59  
Unvested performance shares and restricted stock units (in shares)   841,793 846,170
Stock award vesting period (in years)   5 years  
Granted (in shares)   38,340  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 68.10  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2016      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Performance shares and stock units granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   388,578  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 51.88  
Unvested performance shares and restricted stock units (in shares)   138,268  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2017      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Performance shares and stock units granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   338,693  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 64.91  
Unvested performance shares and restricted stock units (in shares)   161,722  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2018      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Performance shares and stock units granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   310,713  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 74.26  
Unvested performance shares and restricted stock units (in shares)   176,265  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2019      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Performance shares and stock units granted, net of forfeitures (in shares)   365,538  
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   $ 73.82  
Unvested performance shares and restricted stock units (in shares)   365,538  
First Vesting Date Dec 31 2020 | Subsequent Event      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock award vesting period (in years) 5 years    
Granted (in shares) 405,776    
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 59.34    
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Summary of Unvested Time-Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units (Details) - Time Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Feb. 05, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Number of Restricted Shares and Stock Units    
Unvested, beginning balance (in shares)   926,692
Granted (in shares)   40,309
Vested (in shares)   (291,318)
Forfeitures (in shares)   (61,242)
Unvested, ending balance (in shares)   614,441
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value    
Unvested, beginning balance (in dollars per share)   $ 67.08
Granted (in dollars per share)   72.07
Vested (in dollars per share)   63.93
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)   67.66
Unvested, ending balance (in dollars per share)   $ 68.76
Subsequent Event    
Number of Restricted Shares and Stock Units    
Granted (in shares) 329,586  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value    
Granted (in dollars per share) $ 59.34  
Stock award vesting period (in years) 5 years  
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Summary of Fair Value of Full Value Stock Awards Vested (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Full Value Awards      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Fair value of awards vested $ 20,170 $ 61,826 $ 29,217
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Summary of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Expense Recognized by the Company $ 39,083,000 $ 87,791,000 $ 41,805,000
Company Expense on ESPP discount      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Expense Recognized by the Company $ 2,840,000 $ 2,591,000 $ 2,479,000
1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Shares Purchased by Employees (in shares) 224,596 191,823 215,613
Aggregate Costs to Employees $ 16,093,000 $ 14,682,000 $ 14,048,000
Maximum employee contribution to purchase company stock $ 10,000    
Discount rate used to determine purchase price (percent) 15.00%    
1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Company Expense on ESPP discount      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Expense Recognized by the Company $ 2,840,000 $ 2,591,000 $ 2,479,000
v3.19.3.a.u2
CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK AWARD PLANS - Share Repurchase Programs Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
May 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2013
Share Repurchases [Line Items]          
Total Value of Shares Repurchased $ 306,444 $ 303,492 $ 179,985    
Share Repurchase Programs          
Share Repurchases [Line Items]          
Shares Repurchased (in shares) 3,434,102 3,319,077 2,426,407    
Total Value of Shares Repurchased $ 306,444 $ 303,492 $ 179,985    
2013 Repurchase Program          
Share Repurchases [Line Items]          
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)         15,000,000
2018 Repurchase Program          
Share Repurchases [Line Items]          
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)       15,000,000  
Shares remaining for repurchase under authorization (in shares) 9,993,683        
v3.19.3.a.u2
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Defined Contribution Plan Expense, including Matching Contributions (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]      
Profit-sharing plan expense $ 42,491 $ 43,172 $ 27,530
v3.19.3.a.u2
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Defined contribution match   6.00% 4.00% 4.00%
Discretionary profit-sharing contribution     2.00%  
Forecast        
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Defined contribution match 6.00%      
v3.19.3.a.u2
ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
May 22, 2019
Feb. 28, 2019
Aug. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Jan. 28, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Purchase consideration, net of cash acquired       $ 59,200 $ 5,315 $ 49,068  
Goodwill recorded in acquisition       $ 33,663      
Dema Service              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Purchase consideration, net of cash acquired $ 14,200            
Goodwill recorded in acquisition $ 7,800            
Space Cargo              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Purchase consideration, net of cash acquired   $ 45,000          
Goodwill recorded in acquisition   $ 25,900          
Milgram              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Purchase consideration, net of cash acquired     $ 47,300        
Goodwill recorded in acquisition     $ 28,300        
Prime Distribution Services | Subsequent Event              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Cash consideration per definitive agreement             $ 225,000
v3.19.3.a.u2
ACQUISITIONS - Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Estimated Useful Lives (Details) - Customer relationships - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
May 22, 2019
Feb. 28, 2019
Aug. 31, 2017
Dema Service      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Estimated Life (years) 7 years    
Identifiable intangible assets $ 4,252    
Space Cargo      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Estimated Life (years)   7 years  
Identifiable intangible assets   $ 16,439  
Milgram      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Estimated Life (years)     7 years
Identifiable intangible assets     $ 14,004
v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT REPORTING - Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of reportable segments (segment) 2
v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT REPORTING - Summary of Segment Information (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
employee
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
employee
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
employee
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Total revenues $ 3,793,326 $ 3,856,132 $ 3,908,840 $ 3,751,210 $ 4,137,908 $ 4,291,900 $ 4,276,037 $ 3,925,327 $ 15,309,508 $ 16,631,172 $ 14,869,380
Net Revenues                 2,586,310 2,705,235 2,368,050
Income (loss) from operations 136,806 $ 201,085 $ 227,535 $ 224,550 255,517 $ 245,973 $ 219,008 $ 191,585 789,976 912,083 775,119
Depreciation and amortization                 100,449 96,729 92,977
Total assets 4,641,060       4,427,412       $ 4,641,060 $ 4,427,412 $ 4,235,834
Average headcount (employee) | employee                 15,551 15,204 14,687
Operating Segments | NAST                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 $ 11,283,692 $ 12,346,757 $ 10,728,835
Net Revenues                 1,797,369 1,906,261 1,626,174
Income (loss) from operations                 722,763 821,844 661,108
Depreciation and amortization                 24,508 25,290 23,866
Total assets 2,550,010       2,567,120       $ 2,550,010 $ 2,567,120 $ 2,506,137
Average headcount (employee) | employee                 7,354 7,387 7,316
Operating Segments | Global Forwarding                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 $ 2,327,913 $ 2,487,744 $ 2,140,987
Net Revenues                 533,976 543,906 485,280
Income (loss) from operations                 80,527 91,626 91,842
Depreciation and amortization                 36,720 35,148 33,308
Total assets 1,021,592       969,736       $ 1,021,592 $ 969,736 $ 821,182
Average headcount (employee) | employee                 4,766 4,711 4,310
Operating Segments | All Other and Corporate                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 $ 1,697,903 $ 1,796,671 $ 1,999,558
Net Revenues                 254,965 255,068 256,596
Income (loss) from operations                 (13,314) (1,387) 22,169
Depreciation and amortization                 39,221 36,291 35,803
Total assets $ 1,069,458       $ 890,556       $ 1,069,458 $ 890,556 $ 908,515
Average headcount (employee) | employee                 3,431 3,106 3,061
v3.19.3.a.u2
SEGMENT REPORTING - Total Revenues Based on Location of the Customer and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Regions (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Total revenues                      
Revenues $ 3,793,326 $ 3,856,132 $ 3,908,840 $ 3,751,210 $ 4,137,908 $ 4,291,900 $ 4,276,037 $ 3,925,327 $ 15,309,508 $ 16,631,172 $ 14,869,380
Long-lived assets                      
Total long-lived assets 695,696       405,423       695,696 405,423 442,212
Right-of-use lease assets 310,860               310,860    
United States                      
Total revenues                      
Revenues                 13,143,522 14,370,454 12,865,087
Long-lived assets                      
Total long-lived assets 489,129       321,766       489,129 321,766 335,072
Right-of-use lease assets 216,400               216,400    
Other locations                      
Total revenues                      
Revenues                 2,165,986 2,260,718 2,004,293
Long-lived assets                      
Total long-lived assets 206,567       $ 83,657       206,567 $ 83,657 $ 107,140
Right-of-use lease assets $ 94,400               $ 94,400    
v3.19.3.a.u2
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Impact on Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues:                      
Total revenues $ 3,793,326 $ 3,856,132 $ 3,908,840 $ 3,751,210 $ 4,137,908 $ 4,291,900 $ 4,276,037 $ 3,925,327 $ 15,309,508 $ 16,631,172 $ 14,869,380
Costs and expenses:                      
Personnel expenses 298,981 320,563 338,886 340,098 339,316 335,299 340,630 328,297 1,298,528 1,343,542 1,179,527
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses 143,076 111,783 128,795 114,152 118,950 112,772 111,845 106,043 497,806 449,610 413,404
Total costs and expenses 3,656,520 3,655,047 3,681,305 3,526,660 3,882,391 4,045,927 4,057,029 3,733,742 14,519,532 15,719,089 14,094,261
Income from operations 136,806 201,085 227,535 224,550 255,517 245,973 219,008 191,585 789,976 912,083 775,119
Interest and other expenses                 (47,719) (31,810) (46,656)
Income before provision for income taxes                 742,257 880,273 728,463
Provision for income taxes                 165,289 215,768 223,570
Net income 99,106 146,894 169,180 161,788 187,150 175,895 159,163 142,297 576,968 664,505 504,893
Balances without adoption of ASU 2014-09                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues                 15,465,028 16,698,041  
Costs and expenses:                      
Personnel expenses                 1,299,087 1,343,159  
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses                 497,806 449,610  
Total costs and expenses                 14,670,318 15,792,866  
Income from operations                 794,710 905,175  
Interest and other expenses                 (47,719) (31,810)  
Income before provision for income taxes                 746,991 873,365  
Provision for income taxes                 166,502 213,882  
Net income                 580,489 659,483  
Effect of change higher (lower) | ASU 2014-09                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues                 (155,520) (66,869)  
Costs and expenses:                      
Personnel expenses                 (559) 383  
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses                 0 0  
Total costs and expenses                 (150,786) (73,777)  
Income from operations                 (4,734) 6,908  
Interest and other expenses                 0 0  
Income before provision for income taxes                 (4,734) 6,908  
Provision for income taxes                 (1,213) 1,886  
Net income                 (3,521) 5,022  
Transportation                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues 3,570,405 3,608,346 3,638,612 3,504,932 3,896,750 4,028,392 3,953,139 3,637,640 14,322,295 15,515,921 13,502,906
Costs and expenses:                      
Purchased services and products 3,013,200 2,999,979 2,972,998 2,853,256 3,207,859 3,359,520 3,313,196 3,041,602 11,839,433 12,922,177 11,257,290
Transportation | Balances without adoption of ASU 2014-09                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues                 14,336,820 15,462,328  
Costs and expenses:                      
Purchased services and products                 11,848,665 12,875,875  
Transportation | Effect of change higher (lower) | ASU 2014-09                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues                 (14,525) 53,593  
Costs and expenses:                      
Purchased services and products                 (9,232) 46,302  
Sourcing                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues 222,921 247,786 270,228 246,278 241,158 263,508 322,898 287,687 987,213 1,115,251 1,366,474
Costs and expenses:                      
Purchased services and products $ 201,263 $ 222,722 $ 240,626 $ 219,154 $ 216,266 $ 238,336 $ 291,358 $ 257,800 883,765 1,003,760 $ 1,244,040
Sourcing | Balances without adoption of ASU 2014-09                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues                 1,128,208 1,235,713  
Costs and expenses:                      
Purchased services and products                 1,024,760 1,124,222  
Sourcing | Effect of change higher (lower) | ASU 2014-09                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues                 (140,995) (120,462)  
Costs and expenses:                      
Purchased services and products                 $ (140,995) $ (120,462)  
v3.19.3.a.u2
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Total Revenues Disaggregated by Major Service Line and Timing of Recognition (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues $ 3,793,326 $ 3,856,132 $ 3,908,840 $ 3,751,210 $ 4,137,908 $ 4,291,900 $ 4,276,037 $ 3,925,327 $ 15,309,508 $ 16,631,172 $ 14,869,380
Operating Segments | NAST                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 11,283,692 12,346,757 10,728,835
Operating Segments | Global Forwarding                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 2,327,913 2,487,744 2,140,987
Operating Segments | All Other and Corporate                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 1,697,903 1,796,671 1,999,558
Transportation                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues 3,570,405 3,608,346 3,638,612 3,504,932 3,896,750 4,028,392 3,953,139 3,637,640 14,322,295 15,515,921 13,502,906
Transportation | Performance obligations completed over time                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 14,322,295 15,515,921  
Transportation | Operating Segments | NAST | Performance obligations completed over time                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 11,283,692 12,346,757  
Transportation | Operating Segments | Global Forwarding | Performance obligations completed over time                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 2,327,913 2,487,744  
Transportation | Operating Segments | All Other and Corporate | Performance obligations completed over time                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 710,690 681,420  
Sourcing                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues $ 222,921 $ 247,786 $ 270,228 $ 246,278 $ 241,158 $ 263,508 $ 322,898 $ 287,687 987,213 1,115,251 $ 1,366,474
Sourcing | Performance obligations completed at a point in time                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 987,213 1,115,251  
Sourcing | Operating Segments | NAST | Performance obligations completed at a point in time                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 0 0  
Sourcing | Operating Segments | Global Forwarding | Performance obligations completed at a point in time                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 0 0  
Sourcing | Operating Segments | All Other and Corporate | Performance obligations completed at a point in time                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total revenues                 $ 987,213 $ 1,115,251  
v3.19.3.a.u2
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Narrative (Details) - Product Concentration Risk - Revenue
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Transportation services    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Percentage of revenues attributable to services 92.00% 91.00%
Sourcing    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Percentage of revenues attributable to services 6.00% 7.00%
Value-added logistics services    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Percentage of revenues attributable to services 2.00% 2.00%
v3.19.3.a.u2
LEASES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Feb. 19, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 01, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Right-of-use assets   $ 310,860  
Right-of-use lease liabilities   $ 320,724  
Warehouse space, Los Angeles | Subsequent Event      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Right-of-use assets $ 38,700    
Right-of-use lease liabilities $ 38,700    
ASU 2016-02      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Right-of-use assets     $ 265,400
Right-of-use lease liabilities     $ 273,300
v3.19.3.a.u2
LEASES - Lease Data (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Lease Costs      
Operating Lease, Cost   $ 68,489  
Short-term Lease, Cost   11,440  
Total lease expense   79,929  
Other Lease Information      
Operating cash flows from operating leases   66,489  
Right-of-use lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities   $ 101,966  
Lease Term and Discount Rate      
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 7 years 9 months 18 days 7 years 9 months 18 days  
Weighted average discount rate (percent) 3.40% 3.40%  
Weighted average remaining lease term, excluding Chicago office space (in years)   5 years 2 months 12 days  
One leased location      
Other Lease Information      
Right-of-use lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities $ 35,500    
Chicago office space      
Lease Term and Discount Rate      
Lease term (in years)     15 years
v3.19.3.a.u2
LEASES - Maturity of Lease Liabilities (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Maturity of Lease Liabilities  
2020 $ 70,995
2021 60,839
2022 49,717
2023 36,722
2024 25,457
Thereafter 125,163
Total lease payments 368,893
Less: Interest (48,169)
Present value of lease liabilities $ 320,724
v3.19.3.a.u2
LEASES - Minimum Future Lease Commitments Under Noncancelable Lease Agreements (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Minimum Future Lease Commitments Payments Under Noncancelable Lease Agreements  
2019 $ 53,675
2020 47,680
2021 36,832
2022 27,644
2023 19,406
Thereafter 81,465
Total lease payments $ 266,702
v3.19.3.a.u2
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 76,149 $ 71,935
v3.19.3.a.u2
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 01, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]    
Right-of-use lease assets $ 310,860  
Right-of-use lease liabilities $ 320,724  
ASU 2016-02    
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]    
Right-of-use lease assets   $ 265,400
Right-of-use lease liabilities   $ 273,300
v3.19.3.a.u2
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (UNAUDITED) - Unaudited Results of Operations by Quarter (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues:                      
Total revenues $ 3,793,326 $ 3,856,132 $ 3,908,840 $ 3,751,210 $ 4,137,908 $ 4,291,900 $ 4,276,037 $ 3,925,327 $ 15,309,508 $ 16,631,172 $ 14,869,380
Costs and expenses:                      
Personnel expenses 298,981 320,563 338,886 340,098 339,316 335,299 340,630 328,297 1,298,528 1,343,542 1,179,527
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses 143,076 111,783 128,795 114,152 118,950 112,772 111,845 106,043 497,806 449,610 413,404
Total costs and expenses 3,656,520 3,655,047 3,681,305 3,526,660 3,882,391 4,045,927 4,057,029 3,733,742 14,519,532 15,719,089 14,094,261
Income from operations 136,806 201,085 227,535 224,550 255,517 245,973 219,008 191,585 789,976 912,083 775,119
Net income $ 99,106 $ 146,894 $ 169,180 $ 161,788 $ 187,150 $ 175,895 $ 159,163 $ 142,297 $ 576,968 $ 664,505 $ 504,893
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.73 $ 1.08 $ 1.23 $ 1.17 $ 1.36 $ 1.27 $ 1.14 $ 1.02 $ 4.21 $ 4.78 $ 3.59
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.73 $ 1.07 $ 1.22 $ 1.16 $ 1.34 $ 1.25 $ 1.13 $ 1.01 $ 4.19 $ 4.73 $ 3.57
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) 135,997 136,380 137,185 137,854 137,797 138,797 139,464 140,032 136,955 139,010 140,610
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards (in shares) 624 1,096 1,071 1,101 1,385 1,363 1,147 1,238 780 1,395 772
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) 136,621 137,476 138,256 138,955 139,182 140,160 140,611 141,270 137,735 140,405 141,382
Transportation                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues $ 3,570,405 $ 3,608,346 $ 3,638,612 $ 3,504,932 $ 3,896,750 $ 4,028,392 $ 3,953,139 $ 3,637,640 $ 14,322,295 $ 15,515,921 $ 13,502,906
Costs and expenses:                      
Purchased services and products 3,013,200 2,999,979 2,972,998 2,853,256 3,207,859 3,359,520 3,313,196 3,041,602 11,839,433 12,922,177 11,257,290
Sourcing                      
Revenues:                      
Total revenues 222,921 247,786 270,228 246,278 241,158 263,508 322,898 287,687 987,213 1,115,251 1,366,474
Costs and expenses:                      
Purchased services and products $ 201,263 $ 222,722 $ 240,626 $ 219,154 $ 216,266 $ 238,336 $ 291,358 $ 257,800 $ 883,765 $ 1,003,760 $ 1,244,040
v3.19.3.a.u2
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS - Transactions in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of year $ 41,131 $ 42,409 $ 39,543
Provision 5,853 15,634 13,489
Write-offs (14,146) (16,912) (10,623)
Balance, end of year $ 32,838 $ 41,131 $ 42,409