How do I replace address book on iMac with iPad/iPhone contact info?

I've been using my iPad and iPhone to record contact information, and they sync with each other via iCloud. I realize now I should have recording this on the iMac and then syncing with the other devices.
But at this point, I'd like to replace all address book information on my iMac with the iPad/iPhone contact information. What's the best way to do this? I'm concerned that, while trying to sync either device with the iMac, I might somehow do the opposite - replace contact info on the device with address book info from the iMac.
I appreciate any suggestions.

Start by backing up the contacts on your Mac by opening Address Book (Contacts) and going to File>Export>Contacts Archive, save this on your desktop.  Then download the app My Contacts Backup to your iPhone and use it to back up your contacts as a vCard attachment to an email.  Send this email to yourself. (Note: if you have >500 contacts you'll need to either purchase and use the Pro version, or follow the instructions listed under "Contacts...iCloud.com Contacts" in this guide to dowload them from icloud.com: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4910.)
I'm assuming at this point that you are NOT syncing contacts on your Mac with iCloud.  If you are, do not perform the steps in this paragraph.  Assuming you are not syncing your Mac contacts with iCloud, open Address Book (Contacts), go to View>Groups, then click on All Contacts.  Click on a single contact, then go to Edit>Select All (Command-A) to select all contacts.  Now press your delete key to delete them.  Your Mac Address Book (Contacts) should now be empty.  Now open the My Contacts Backup email on your Mac and double-click the attachment to import the contacts from your iPhone to your Mac Address Book (Contacts).

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