Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 01, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	GRAYBAR ELECTRIC CO INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000205402
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,520,903
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 0