Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 30,536	$ 28,719	$ 70,993	$ 58,624
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	(3,665)	1,637	(3,366)	(2,545)
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $(1,719), $(2,661), $(5,158) and $(7,983), respectively)	2,701	4,179	8,101	12,537
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(964)	5,816	4,735	9,992
Comprehensive Income	29,572	34,535	75,728	68,616
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	64	(204)	(12)	(112)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 29,636	$ 34,331	$ 75,716	$ 68,504