Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net Income	$ 42,857	$ 24,004	$ 59,286	$ 35,649
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	(1,963)	(322)	(225)	1,508
Unrealized gain from interest rate swap (net of tax of $61 and $247, respectively)	0	96	0	389
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $2,185, $1,672, $4,286 and $2,975, respectively)	3,433	2,626	6,732	4,673
Total Other Comprehensive Income	1,470	2,400	6,507	6,570
Comprehensive Income	44,327	26,404	65,793	42,219
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	16	(52)	100	(268)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 44,343	$ 26,352	$ 65,893	$ 41,951