CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net earnings	$ 209,077	$ 220,753	$ 428,132	$ 435,280
Other comprehensive earnings (losses):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit of $2,103, $1,988, $75 and $3,517, respectively	23,295	(38,689)	8,175	(69,800)
Derivative instruments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1,987), $(1,862), $255 and $(2,994), respectively	3,176	3,657	(386)	6,035
Other, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1,692), $430, $(1,051) and $722, respectively	6,045	(775)	5,013	(527)
Comprehensive earnings, net of tax	241,593	184,946	440,934	370,988
Comprehensive earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,713	(1,221)	8,594	(5,299)
Comprehensive earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	$ 236,880	$ 186,167	$ 432,340	$ 376,287