Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net Income	$ 20,080	$ 32,691	$ 79,366	$ 68,340
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	3,067	(3,891)	2,842	(2,383)
Unrealized gain from interest rate swap (net of tax of $142 and $389, respectively)	0	223	0	612
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $2,142, $1,488, $6,428 and $4,463, respectively)	3,365	2,337	10,097	7,010
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6,432	(1,331)	12,939	5,239
Comprehensive Income	26,512	31,360	92,305	73,579
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(166)	2	(66)	(266)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 26,346	$ 31,362	$ 92,239	$ 73,313