Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Income	$ 86,598	$ 81,891	$ 42,293
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	1,802	(1,520)	2,807
Unrealized gain less realized loss from interest rate swap (net of tax of $-, $1,831, and $102, respectively)	0	2,876	161
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $11,735, $31,454, and $1,646, respectively)	(18,433)	(49,405)	(2,586)
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(16,631)	(48,049)	382
Comprehensive Income	69,967	33,842	42,675
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(126)	(438)	(421)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 69,841	$ 33,404	$ 42,254