Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net Income	$ 16,429	$ 11,645
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	1,738	1,830
Unrealized gain from interest rate swap (net of tax of $186)	0	293
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $2,101 and $1,303, respectively)	3,299	2,047
Total Other Comprehensive Income	5,037	4,170
Comprehensive Income	21,466	15,815
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	84	(216)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 21,550	$ 15,599