Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net Income	$ 81,891	$ 42,293	$ 37,442
Foreign currency translation	(1,520)	2,807	7,385
Unrealized gain less realized loss from interest rate swap (net of tax of $1,831, $102, and $557, respectively)	2,876	161	875
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $31,454, $1,646, and $2,827, respectively)	(49,405)	(2,586)	4,440
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(48,049)	382	12,700
Comprehensive Income	33,842	42,675	50,142
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(438)	(421)	(595)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 33,404	$ 42,254	$ 49,547