Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 71,967	$ 82,356
Trade receivables (less allowances of $7,764 and $7,299, respectively)	797,717	678,212
Merchandise inventory	396,124	390,350
Other current assets	23,507	15,891
Total Current Assets	1,289,315	1,166,809
Property, at cost
Land	64,691	49,890
Buildings	374,008	349,781
Furniture and fixtures	188,929	176,814
Software	76,906	76,906
Capital leases	12,546	10,214
Total Property, at cost	717,080	663,605
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	(386,150)	(362,793)
Net Property	330,930	300,812
Other Non-current Assets	84,494	51,817
Total Assets	1,704,739	1,519,438
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	42,562	19,695
Current portion of long-term debt	41,490	32,191
Trade accounts payable	614,004	520,355
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	117,965	95,511
Other accrued taxes	15,329	15,248
Dividends payable	12,943	11,686
Other current liabilities	51,289	56,399
Total Current Liabilities	895,582	751,085
Postretirement Benefits Liability	71,699	72,462
Pension Liability	136,668	62,816
Long-term Debt	10,345	64,859
Other Non-current Liabilities	19,051	9,409
Total Liabilities	1,133,345	960,631
Shareholders' Equity
Outstanding Common Stock	257,630	232,400
Common shares subscribed	12,219	11,317
Less subscriptions receivable	(12,219)	(11,317)
Retained Earnings	458,139	423,602
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(150,364)	(102,343)
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	565,405	553,659
Noncontrolling Interests	5,989	5,148
Total Shareholders' Equity	571,394	558,807
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 1,704,739	$ 1,519,438