Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 71,790	$ 71,967
Trade receivables (less allowances of $7,277 and $7,764, respectively)	782,781	797,717
Merchandise inventory	454,862	396,124
Other current assets	20,152	23,507
Total Current Assets	1,329,585	1,289,315
Property, at cost
Land	64,035	64,691
Buildings	376,413	374,008
Furniture and fixtures	206,474	188,929
Software	76,906	76,906
Capital leases	11,166	12,546
Total Property, at cost	734,994	717,080
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	(397,811)	(386,150)
Net Property	337,183	330,930
Other Non-current Assets	80,200	84,494
Total Assets	1,746,968	1,704,739
LIABILITIES
Short-term borrowings	75,676	42,562
Current portion of long-term debt	13,852	41,490
Trade accounts payable	622,289	614,004
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	80,598	117,965
Other accrued taxes	8,826	15,329
Dividends payable	0	12,943
Other current liabilities	75,952	51,289
Total Current Liabilities	877,193	895,582
Postretirement Benefits Liability	71,629	71,699
Pension Liability	123,652	136,668
Long-term Debt	2,370	10,345
Other Non-current Liabilities	20,627	19,051
Total Liabilities	1,095,471	1,133,345
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Outstanding Common Stock	259,617	257,630
Advance Payments on Subscriptions to Common Stock	395	0
Retained Earnings	525,565	458,139
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(137,280)	(150,364)
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	648,297	565,405
Noncontrolling Interests	3,200	5,989
Total Shareholders' Equity	651,497	571,394
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 1,746,968	$ 1,704,739