Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 68,844	$ 71,967
Trade receivables (less allowances of $7,379 and $7,764, respectively)	767,201	797,717
Merchandise inventory	444,965	396,124
Other current assets	21,935	23,507
Total Current Assets	1,302,945	1,289,315
Property, at cost
Land	64,005	64,691
Buildings	372,295	374,008
Furniture and fixtures	201,052	188,929
Software	76,906	76,906
Capital leases	10,056	12,546
Total Property, at cost	724,314	717,080
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	(390,092)	(386,150)
Net Property	334,222	330,930
Other Non-current Assets	80,796	84,494
Total Assets	1,717,963	1,704,739
LIABILITIES
Short-term borrowings	101,105	42,562
Current portion of long-term debt	13,752	41,490
Trade accounts payable	603,971	614,004
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	53,733	117,965
Other accrued taxes	12,535	15,329
Dividends payable	0	12,943
Other current liabilities	80,258	51,289
Total Current Liabilities	865,354	895,582
Postretirement Benefits Liability	71,732	71,699
Pension Liability	127,796	136,668
Long-term Debt	2,128	10,345
Other Non-current Liabilities	20,820	19,051
Total Liabilities	1,087,830	1,133,345
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Outstanding Common Stock	260,449	257,630
Advance Payments on Subscriptions to Common Stock	768	0
Retained Earnings	509,449	458,139
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(143,614)	(150,364)
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	627,052	565,405
Noncontrolling Interests	3,081	5,989
Total Shareholders' Equity	630,133	571,394
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 1,717,963	$ 1,704,739