CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net earnings	$ 220,753	$ 193,101	$ 435,280	$ 382,559
Other comprehensive earnings (losses):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $1,988, $1,146, $3,517 and $(166), respectively	(38,689)	(20,736)	(69,800)	(4,470)
Derivative instruments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1,862), $(816), $(2,994), and $(216), respectively	3,657	486	6,035	(1,256)
Other, net of tax benefit of $430, $0, $722, and $0, respectively	(775)	(78)	(527)	508
Comprehensive earnings, net of tax	184,946	172,773	370,988	377,341
Comprehensive earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,221)	8,307	(5,299)	5,201
Comprehensive earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	$ 186,167	$ 164,466	$ 376,287	$ 372,140