Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 101,411	$ 71,967
Trade receivables (less allowances of $7,345 and $7,764, respectively)	731,650	797,717
Merchandise inventory	433,484	396,124
Other current assets	22,600	23,507
Total Current Assets	1,289,145	1,289,315
Property, at cost
Land	64,619	64,691
Buildings	377,956	374,008
Furniture and fixtures	194,702	188,929
Software	76,906	76,906
Capital leases	9,833	12,546
Total Property, at cost	724,016	717,080
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	(389,652)	(386,150)
Net Property	334,364	330,930
Other Non-current Assets	82,619	84,494
Total Assets	1,706,128	1,704,739
LIABILITIES
Short-term borrowings	90,120	42,562
Current portion of long-term debt	13,779	41,490
Trade accounts payable	603,151	614,004
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	92,651	117,965
Other accrued taxes	16,168	15,329
Dividends payable	0	12,943
Other current liabilities	63,654	51,289
Total Current Liabilities	879,523	895,582
Postretirement Benefits Liability	71,978	71,699
Pension Liability	132,053	136,668
Long-term Debt	9,953	10,345
Other Non-current Liabilities	22,367	19,051
Total Liabilities	1,115,874	1,133,345
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Outstanding Common Stock	261,338	257,630
Advance Payments on Subscriptions to Common Stock	369	0
Retained Earnings	470,573	458,139
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(145,169)	(150,364)
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	587,111	565,405
Noncontrolling Interests	3,143	5,989
Total Shareholders' Equity	590,254	571,394
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 1,706,128	$ 1,704,739