Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Graybar Electric Company, Inc., without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) applicable to interim financial reporting. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that its disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the 2013 presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, this quarterly report includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements presented. Such interim financial information is subject to year-end adjustments. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and its subsidiary companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The ownership interests that are held by owners other than the Company in subsidiaries consolidated by the Company are accounted for and reported as noncontrolling interests.
Estimates	Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the time of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Commission. No material subsequent events have occurred since March 31, 2013 that require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when evidence of a customer arrangement exists, prices are fixed and determinable, product title, ownership and risk of loss transfers to the customer, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues recognized are primarily for product sales, but also include freight and handling charges. The Company’s standard shipping terms are FOB shipping point, under which product title passes to the customer at the time of shipment. The Company does, however, fulfill some customer orders based on shipping terms of FOB destination, whereby title passes to the customer at the time of delivery. The Company also earns revenue for services provided to customers for supply chain management and logistics services. Service revenue is recognized when services are rendered and completed. Revenue is reported net of all taxes assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions, primarily sales tax.
Outgoing Freight Expenses	Outgoing Freight Expenses The Company records certain outgoing freight expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company accounts for cash on hand, deposits in banks, and other short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, and a significant portion of its trade receivables is secured by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights. The Company maintains allowances to reflect the expected uncollectability of trade receivables based on past collection history and specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio. Although actual credit losses have historically been within management’s expectations, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate.
Merchandise Inventory	Merchandise Inventory The Company’s inventory is stated at the lower of cost (determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method) or market. LIFO accounting is a method of accounting that, compared with other inventory accounting methods, generally provides better matching of current costs with current sales. The Company makes provisions for obsolete or excess inventories as necessary to reflect reductions in inventory value.
Supplier Volume Incentives	Supplier Volume Incentives The Company’s agreements with many of its suppliers provide for the Company to earn volume incentives based on purchases during the agreement period. These agreements typically provide for the incentives to be paid quarterly or annually in arrears. The Company estimates amounts to be received from suppliers at the end of each reporting period based on the earnout level that the Company believes is probable of being achieved. The Company records the incentive ratably over the year as a reduction of cost of merchandise sold as the related inventory is sold. Changes in the estimated amount of incentives are treated as changes in estimate and are recognized in earnings in the period in which the change in estimate occurs. In the event that the operating performance of the Company’s suppliers were to decline, however, there can be no assurance that amounts earned would be paid or that the volume incentives would continue to be included in future agreements.
Property and Depreciation	Property and Depreciation Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Interest costs incurred to finance expenditures for major long-term construction projects are capitalized as part of the asset's historical cost and included in property, plant and equipment, then depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred, while the costs of significant improvements, which extend the useful life of the underlying asset, are capitalized.
Credit Risk	Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, and a significant portion of its trade receivables is secured by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights. The Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses and such losses historically have been within management’s expectations.
Fair Value	Fair Value The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. US GAAP has established a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The tiers in the hierarchy include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own data inputs and assumptions. The Company has used fair value measurements to value its pension plan assets.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian dollar. Accordingly, its balance sheet amounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period and its statements of income amounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the current period. Currency translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Goodwill	Goodwill The Company’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and/or when circumstances or other events might indicate that impairment may have occurred. The Company performs either a qualitative or quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The qualitative assessment considers several factors including the excess fair value over carrying value as of the last quantitative impairment test, the length of time since the last fair value measurement, the current carrying value, market conditions, actual performance compared to forecasted performance, and the current business outlook. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the reporting unit is quantitatively tested for impairment. If a quantitative assessment is required, the fair value is determined using a variety of assumptions including estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit and applicable discount rates.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. Uncertainty exists regarding tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns still subject to examination and positions expected to be taken in future returns. A deferred tax asset or liability results from the temporary difference between an item’s carrying value as reflected in the financial statements and its tax basis, and is calculated using enacted applicable tax rates. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent it believes that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. Changes in the valuation allowance, when recorded, are included in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements. The Company classifies interest expense and penalties as part of its provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest/underpayment percentages.
Other Postretirement Benefits	Other Postretirement Benefits The Company accounts for postretirement benefits other than pensions by accruing the costs of benefits to be provided over the employees’ periods of active service. These costs are determined on an actuarial basis. The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect the funded status of postretirement benefits.
Pension Plan	Pension Plan The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan accounted for by accruing the cost to provide the benefits over the employees’ periods of active service. These costs are determined on an actuarial basis. The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect the funded status of the defined benefit pension plan.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”, which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The Update requires that the Company present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of AOCI based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The Company adopted this Update as of January 1, 2013 and the adoption did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position, or cash flows during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 other than additional disclosures contained in Note 7.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Graybar Electric Company, Inc., without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) applicable to interim financial reporting. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that its disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the 2013 presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, this quarterly report includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements presented. Such interim financial information is subject to year-end adjustments. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and its subsidiary companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The ownership interests that are held by owners other than the Company in subsidiaries consolidated by the Company are accounted for and reported as noncontrolling interests.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the time of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Commission. No material subsequent events have occurred since March 31, 2013 that require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when evidence of a customer arrangement exists, prices are fixed and determinable, product title, ownership and risk of loss transfers to the customer, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues recognized are primarily for product sales, but also include freight and handling charges. The Company’s standard shipping terms are FOB shipping point, under which product title passes to the customer at the time of shipment. The Company does, however, fulfill some customer orders based on shipping terms of FOB destination, whereby title passes to the customer at the time of delivery. The Company also earns revenue for services provided to customers for supply chain management and logistics services. Service revenue is recognized when services are rendered and completed. Revenue is reported net of all taxes assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions, primarily sales tax.

Outgoing Freight Expenses

The Company records certain outgoing freight expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company accounts for cash on hand, deposits in banks, and other short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, and a significant portion of its trade receivables is secured by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights. The Company maintains allowances to reflect the expected uncollectability of trade receivables based on past collection history and specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio. Although actual credit losses have historically been within management’s expectations, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate.

Merchandise Inventory

The Company’s inventory is stated at the lower of cost (determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method) or market. LIFO accounting is a method of accounting that, compared with other inventory accounting methods, generally provides better matching of current costs with current sales.

The Company makes provisions for obsolete or excess inventories as necessary to reflect reductions in inventory value.

Supplier Volume Incentives

The Company’s agreements with many of its suppliers provide for the Company to earn volume incentives based on purchases during the agreement period. These agreements typically provide for the incentives to be paid quarterly or annually in arrears. The Company estimates amounts to be received from suppliers at the end of each reporting period based on the earnout level that the Company believes is probable of being achieved. The Company records the incentive ratably over the year as a reduction of cost of merchandise sold as the related inventory is sold. Changes in the estimated amount of incentives are treated as changes in estimate and are recognized in earnings in the period in which the change in estimate occurs. In the event that the operating performance of the Company’s suppliers were to decline, however, there can be no assurance that amounts earned would be paid or that the volume incentives would continue to be included in future agreements.

Property and Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Interest costs incurred to finance expenditures for major long-term construction projects are capitalized as part of the asset's historical cost and included in property, plant and equipment, then depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred, while the costs of significant improvements, which extend the useful life of the underlying asset, are capitalized.

Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, and a significant portion of its trade receivables is secured by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights. The Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses and such losses historically have been within management’s expectations.

Fair Value

The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. US GAAP has established a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The tiers in the hierarchy include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own data inputs and assumptions. The Company has used fair value measurements to value its pension plan assets.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate

The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian dollar. Accordingly, its balance sheet amounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period and its statements of income amounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the current period. Currency translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Goodwill

The Company’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and/or when circumstances or other events might indicate that impairment may have occurred. The Company performs either a qualitative or quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The qualitative assessment considers several factors including the excess fair value over carrying value as of the last quantitative impairment test, the length of time since the last fair value measurement, the current carrying value, market conditions, actual performance compared to forecasted performance, and the current business outlook. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the reporting unit is quantitatively tested for impairment. If a quantitative assessment is required, the fair value is determined using a variety of assumptions including estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit and applicable discount rates.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. Uncertainty exists regarding tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns still subject to examination and positions expected to be taken in future returns. A deferred tax asset or liability results from the temporary difference between an item’s carrying value as reflected in the financial statements and its tax basis, and is calculated using enacted applicable tax rates. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent it believes that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. Changes in the valuation allowance, when recorded, are included in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements. The Company classifies interest expense and penalties as part of its provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest/underpayment percentages.