Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net Income	$ 7,979	$ 16,429
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	(1,595)	1,738
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $2,568 and $2,101, respectively)	4,032	3,299
Total Other Comprehensive Income	2,437	5,037
Comprehensive Income	10,416	21,466
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	35	84
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 10,451	$ 21,550