Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Income	$ 28,719	$ 20,080	$ 58,624	$ 79,366
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	1,637	3,067	(2,545)	2,842
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $2,661, $2,142, $7,983 and $6,428, respectively)	4,179	3,365	12,537	10,097
Total Other Comprehensive Income	5,816	6,432	9,992	12,939
Comprehensive Income	34,535	26,512	68,616	92,305
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(204)	(166)	(112)	(66)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 34,331	$ 26,346	$ 68,504	$ 92,239