Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 91,332	$ 87,686	$ 81,274
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	(13,240)	(6,643)	(5,553)
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $16,261, $3,477, and $(20,270), respectively)	(25,542)	(5,461)	31,838
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(38,782)	(12,104)	26,285
Comprehensive Income	52,550	75,582	107,559
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(276)	(16)	45
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 52,826	$ 75,598	$ 107,514