Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	Dec. 31, 2025
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Graybar and our subsidiary companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The ownership interests that are held by owners other than the Company are in subsidiaries owned by the Company and are accounted for and reported as noncontrolling interests.
Estimates	Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Sales revenue is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied, which is typically upon delivery of the product to the customer. Sometimes product is purchased from the manufacturer and drop-shipped to the customer. We generally take control of the goods when shipped by the manufacturer and then recognize revenue when control of the product transfers to the customer. Revenues recognized are primarily for product sales, but may also include freight and handling charges. Our standard warehouse shipping terms are FOB shipping point, under which control passes to the customer at the time of shipment. Revenue is reported net of all taxes, primarily sales tax, assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions.
Outgoing Freight Expenses	Outgoing Freight Expenses We record approximately 95% of outgoing freight expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Total outgoing freight expenses were $111.3 million, $106.2 million, and $102.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We account for cash on hand, deposits in banks, and other short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents.
Allowance for Credit Losses	Allowance for Credit Losses We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, and a significant portion of our trade receivables is secured by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights. We maintain allowances to reflect the expected uncollectability of trade receivables based on past collection history pooled on the aging of the receivables, specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio based on current conditions, and expected future economic conditions when necessary. Although actual credit losses have historically been within management’s expectations, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate.
Merchandise Inventory	Merchandise Inventory Our inventory is comprised entirely of finished goods. Most of our inventory is stated at the lower of cost (generally determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method) or market. LIFO accounting is a method of accounting that, compared with other inventory accounting methods, generally provides better matching of current costs with current sales. Our remaining inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market determined using average cost. We make provisions for obsolete or excess inventories as necessary to reflect reductions in inventory value.
Vendor Allowances	Vendor Allowances Our agreements with many of our suppliers provide for us to earn volume incentives based on purchases during the agreement period. Based on the provisions of our vendor agreements, we develop vendor accrual rates by estimating our performance under the agreements and the amounts that will be earned. We perform analyses and review historical trends to ensure the deferred amounts earned are appropriately recorded. Certain vendor agreements contain purchase volume incentives that provide for increased funding when graduated purchase volumes are met. Amounts accrued throughout the year are based on estimates of future activity levels, and could be materially impacted if actual purchase volumes differ. Changes in the estimated amount of incentives are treated as changes in estimate and are recognized in income from operations in the period in which the change in estimate occurs. In the event that the operating performance of our suppliers were to decline, however, there can be no assurance that amounts earned would be paid or that the volume incentives would continue to be included in future agreements.
Property and Depreciation	Property and Depreciation Property is recorded at cost. Depreciation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Interest costs incurred to finance expenditures for major long-term construction projects are capitalized as part of the asset's historical cost and included in property, then depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred, while the costs of significant improvements, which extend the useful life of the underlying asset, are capitalized.
Fair Value	Fair Value GAAP has established a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The tiers in the hierarchy include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own data inputs and assumptions. We have used fair value measurements to value our pension plan assets.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate The functional currency for our Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian dollar. Accordingly, its balance sheet amounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period and its statements of income amounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the current period. Currency translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Goodwill	Goodwill Our goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and when circumstances or other events might indicate that impairment may have occurred. We first perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The qualitative assessment considers several factors including the excess fair value over carrying value as of the last quantitative impairment test, the length of time since the last fair value measurement, the current carrying value, market conditions, actual performance compared to forecasted performance, and the current business outlook. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the reporting unit would then be quantitatively tested for impairment. If a quantitative assessment would be required, the fair value would be determined using a variety of assumptions including estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit and applicable discount rates.
Definite Lived Intangible Assets	Definite Lived Intangible Assets The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed on a straight-line basis over the estimated periods benefited. Customer relationships, trade names and other non-contractual intangible assets with determinable lives are amortized over periods generally ranging from 2.5 to 20 years. Intangible assets are tested for impairment if events or circumstances occur indicating that the respective asset might be impaired.
Cloud Computing Arrangements	Cloud Computing Arrangements We capitalize certain cloud computing arrangement implementation costs incurred in hosting arrangements that are service contracts within other current assets and other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. We amortize capitalized cloud computing arrangement implementation costs using the straight-line method over the term of the hosting arrangement, generally five to ten years, with amortization expense recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses once the cloud computing arrangement is placed in service. At December 31, 2025, we recorded capitalized implementation costs of $10.8 million within other current assets and $76.7 million within other non-current assets, with related accumulated amortization of $5.4 million. At December 31, 2024, we recorded capitalized implementation costs of $55.2 million within other non-current assets, with no related accumulated amortization. Amortization expense related to cloud computing arrangements was $5.4 million in 2025. There was no amortization expense related to cloud computing arrangements in 2024 and 2023.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. A deferred tax asset or liability results from the temporary difference between an item’s carrying value as reflected in the financial statements and its tax basis, and is calculated using enacted applicable tax rates. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is unable to reach the ‘more likely than not’ standard, a valuation allowance is established. Changes in the valuation allowance, when recorded, are included in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements. We assess uncertainty regarding tax positions taken in previously filed returns and record reserves in accordance with the guidance under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740-10, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes". We classify interest expense and penalties associated with taxes and uncertain tax positions as part of our provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest/underpayment percentages.
Other Postretirement Benefits	Other Postretirement Benefits We account for postretirement benefits other than pensions by accruing the costs of benefits to be provided over the eligible employees’ periods of active service. These costs are determined on an actuarial basis. Our consolidated balance sheets reflect the funded status of postretirement benefits.
Pension Plan	Pension Plan We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan accounted for by accruing the cost to provide the benefits over the eligible employees’ periods of active service. These costs are determined on an actuarial basis. Our consolidated balance sheets reflect the funded status of the defined benefit pension plan.
Employee Deferred Compensation Trust	Employee Deferred Compensation Trust We have an employee deferred compensation trust to meet funding obligations for nonqualified pension benefits to certain participants in the supplemental benefit plan. Assets in the trust are classified as other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Earnings and losses on investments in the employee deferred compensation trust are reported in non-operating expenses, net in the consolidated statements of income.
Leases	Leases We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current operating lease liabilities, and non-current operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Amounts related to finance leases are included in property, other current liabilities, and other non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized and measured on the date the underlying asset is made available to us. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. We use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Operating lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For certain leases, such as real estate and information technology (“IT”) equipment, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. For all other leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components separately. Leases with a term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. Lease expenses associated with short-term leases are immaterial and are recorded in the consolidated statements of income in selling, general and administrative expenses. Additionally, for certain vehicle leases, we apply a portfolio approach to account for the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities.
Non-operating Expenses, Net	Non-operating Expenses, net Non-operating expenses, net are comprised of interest expense, net, earnings and losses on investments, which consists of highly liquid money market funds and U.S. Treasury securities, and non-service cost components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The non-service cost components include interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of net actuarial gains/losses, amortization of prior service costs/gains, and charges due to settlement of certain plan liabilities.
Segment and Related Disclosures	Segments and Related Disclosures The Company is engaged in the distribution of electrical, industrial, automation and connectivity products. In our primary role as third-party wholesale distributor, we neither manufacture nor contract to manufacture the products that we sell. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, domestic revenue accounted for 95% of total revenue. The Company’s long-lived assets consist primarily of property, net. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 95% and 96% of long-lived assets were in the U.S, respectively. The Company manages its business activities and operations in one reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is considered to be the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Graybar. The CODM assesses performance for the Company's single reportable segment and decides how to allocate resources based on net income attributable to Graybar (see the Consolidated Statements of Income). The CODM makes decisions on resource allocation, assesses performance of the business, and monitors budget versus actual results using net income. The measures the CODM uses are all disclosed as separate line items within the income statement, principally focused on net income and income from operations.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” which is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of annual income tax disclosures. The guidance addresses investor requests for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The guidance was applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements. The adoption of this Update resulted in an expansion of our annual income tax footnote disclosures. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses” which requires public business entities to disclose, on an annual and interim basis, disaggregated information about certain income statement expense line items. Public business entities are required to disclose purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization and depletion for each income statement line item that contains those expenses. Specified expenses, gains or losses that are already disclosed under existing GAAP are required to be included in the disaggregated income statement expense line item disclosures, and any remaining amounts need to be described qualitatively. Separate disclosures of total selling expenses and an entity’s definition of those expenses are also required. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The guidance is required to be applied prospectively and may be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of this Update and will adopt it beginning in our December 31, 2027 consolidated financial statements. In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets” which amended the guidance in ASC 326 to simplify the estimation of credit losses on current accounts receivable and current contract assets arising from transactions accounted for under ASC 606. The amendments allow all entities to elect a practical expedient to assume that the current conditions as of the balance sheet date will remain unchanged for the remaining life of the asset when developing a reasonable and supportable forecast as part of estimating expected credit losses on these assets. Entities are required to disclose their practical expedient and accounting policy elections. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this Update on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)” which clarifies and modernizes the accounting for costs related to internal-use software. The guidance removes all references to project stages in ASC 350-40 and clarifies the threshold entities apply to begin capitalizing costs. The guidance specifies that the property, plant and equipment disclosure requirements under ASC 360-10 apply to capitalized software costs accounted for under ASC 350-40, regardless of how those costs are presented in the financial statements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities may apply the guidance using a prospective, retrospective or modified transition approach. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this Update on our consolidated financial statements.

GRAYBAR ELECTRIC CO INC 10-K