Graybar Electric (GRAYBAR) 10-K 10 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

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	205,402
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	2,015
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

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales		$ 6,110,299	$ 5,978,861	$ 5,659,141
Cost of merchandise sold		(4,955,554)	(4,860,314)	(4,614,985)
Gross Margin		1,154,745	1,118,547	1,044,156
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(965,134)	(935,132)	(873,415)
Depreciation and amortization		(43,242)	(39,151)	(36,944)
Other income, net		8,199	3,918	2,495
Income from Operations		154,568	148,182	136,292
Interest expense, net		(2,227)	(1,371)	(1,341)
Income before provision for income taxes		152,341	146,811	134,951
Provision for income taxes		(61,009)	(59,125)	(53,677)
Net Income		91,332	87,686	81,274
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(264)	(258)	(211)
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.		$ 91,068	$ 87,428	$ 81,063
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. per share of Common Stock (usd per share)	[1]	$ 5.57	$ 5.38	$ 4.96
[1]	(A)Adjusted for the declaration of a 2.5% stock dividend in December 2015, shares related to which were issued in February 2016. Prior to the adjustment, the average common shares outstanding were 15,848 and 15,936 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Consolidated Statements of Inc3

Consolidated Statements of Income Consolidated Statements of Income Parenthetical - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Dividend	2.50%
Average Common shares outstanding		15,848	15,936

Consolidated Statements of Comp

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

Consolidated Statements of Com5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (tax)	$ 16,261	$ 3,477	$ (20,270)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37,931	$ 33,758
Trade receivables (less allowances of $5,879 and $7,073, respectively)	928,276	920,796
Merchandise inventory	518,288	461,139
Other current assets	31,305	41,934
Total Current Assets	1,515,800	1,457,627
Property, at cost
Land	75,968	67,879
Buildings	443,137	429,406
Furniture and fixtures	271,605	253,918
Software	85,423	84,488
Capital leases	32,543	25,135
Total Property, at cost	908,676	860,826
Less – accumulated depreciation and amortization	(474,810)	(452,163)
Net Property	433,866	408,663
Other Non-current Assets	99,877	72,823
Total Assets	2,049,543	1,939,113
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	104,978	66,342
Current portion of long-term debt	6,558	6,241
Trade accounts payable	766,089	726,632
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	111,069	127,191
Other accrued taxes	16,880	17,303
Other current liabilities	64,783	69,780
Total Current Liabilities	1,070,357	1,013,489
Postretirement Benefits Liability	70,303	69,565
Pension Liability	185,211	140,981
Long-term Debt	10,272	11,595
Other Non-current Liabilities	25,254	21,502
Total Liabilities	1,361,397	1,257,132
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Outstanding Common Stock	326,482	317,199
Common shares subscribed	17,572	16,136
Less subscriptions receivable	(17,572)	(16,136)
Retained Earnings	548,780	513,672
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(190,435)	(152,193)
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity	684,827	678,678
Noncontrolling Interests	3,319	3,303
Total Shareholders’ Equity	688,146	681,981
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 2,049,543	$ 1,939,113

Consolidated Balance Sheets Par

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5,879	$ 7,073
Common stock stated value per share (USD per share)	$ 20	$ 20
Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Issued to voting trustees	13,668,055	13,159,559
Issued to shareholders	2,721,926	2,714,853
In treasury, at cost	(65,890)	(14,482)
Outstanding Common Stock	16,324,091	15,859,930
Common Stock, Shares Subscribed	878,608	806,811
Subscripton Receivable	(878,608)	(806,811)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operations
Net Income	$ 91,332	$ 87,686	$ 81,274
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	43,242	39,151	36,944
Deferred income taxes	4,173	4,096	(3,441)
Net (gains) losses on disposal of property	(5,918)	24	418
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(264)	(258)	(211)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(3,409)	(100,473)	(52,813)
Merchandise inventory	(54,080)	(12,753)	(31,633)
Other current assets	10,698	(18,424)	13,134
Other non-current assets	(149)	(1,008)	(1,653)
Trade accounts payable	36,011	111,172	42,208
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	(16,783)	33,929	(15,988)
Other current liabilities	(14,596)	(6,198)	11,927
Other non-current liabilities	6,596	(1,195)	10,722
Total adjustments to net income	5,521	48,063	9,614
Net cash provided by operations	96,853	135,749	90,888
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from disposal of property	15,701	1,398	447
Capital expenditures for property	(74,179)	(52,495)	(58,223)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	(18,093)	0	0
Net cash used by investing activities	(76,571)	(51,097)	(57,776)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	38,636	(16,100)	11,326
Repayment of long-term debt	(3,656)	(1,800)	(7,386)
Principal payments under capital leases	(4,704)	(3,277)	(3,067)
Sales of common stock	15,723	14,492	12,839
Purchases of treasury stock	(14,365)	(15,060)	(12,772)
Sales of noncontrolling interests’ common stock	401	0	488
Purchases of noncontrolling interests’ common stock	(109)	(318)	(148)
Dividends paid	(48,035)	(63,496)	(37,401)
Net cash used by financing activities	(16,109)	(85,559)	(36,121)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash	4,173	(907)	(3,009)
Cash, Beginning of Year	33,758	34,665	37,674
Cash, End of Year	37,931	33,758	34,665
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Acquisitions of equipment under capital leases	7,354	10,430	3,632
Acquisition of software and maintenance under financing arrangement	0	7,309	0
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	2,024	1,448	1,508
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 52,076	$ 64,752	$ 44,676

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 600,216	$ 310,008	$ 453,770	$ (166,814)	$ 3,252
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net Income	81,274		81,063		211
Other comprehensive income (loss)	26,285			26,451	(166)
Stock issued	13,327	12,839			488
Stock purchased	(12,920)	(12,772)			(148)
Dividends declared	(37,401)	7,692	(45,093)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	670,781	317,767	489,740	(140,363)	3,637
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net Income	87,686		87,428		258
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,104)			(11,830)	$ (274)
Stock issued	14,492	14,492
Stock purchased	(15,378)	$ (15,060)			$ (318)
Dividends declared	(63,496)		(63,496)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	681,981	$ 317,199	513,672	(152,193)	3,303
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net Income	91,332		91,068		264
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(38,782)			(38,242)	(540)
Stock issued	16,124	15,723			401
Stock purchased	(14,474)	(14,365)			(109)
Dividends declared	(48,035)	7,925	(55,960)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 688,146	$ 326,482	$ 548,780	$ (190,435)	$ 3,319

Description of the Business

Description of the Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of the Business	DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS Graybar Electric Company, Inc. (“Graybar”, “Company”, "we", "our", or "us") is a New York corporation, incorporated in 1925. We are engaged in the distribution of electrical and communications and data networking products and are a provider of related supply chain management and logistics services. We primarily serve customers in the construction, and commercial, institutional and government ("CIG"), as well as the industrial and utility vertical markets, with products and services that support new construction, infrastructure updates, building renovation, facility maintenance, repair and operations ("MRO"), and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM"). All products sold by us are purchased by us from others, and we neither manufacture nor contract to manufacture any products that we sell. Our business activity is primarily with customers in the United States (“U.S.”). We also have subsidiary operations with distribution facilities in Canada and Puerto Rico.

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Our accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP”) and are applied on a consistent basis among all years presented. Significant accounting policies are described below. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Graybar and its subsidiary companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The ownership interests that are held by owners other than the Company in subsidiaries consolidated by the Company are accounted for and reported as noncontrolling interests. 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. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial information to conform to the December 31, 2015 presentation. Subsequent Events We have evaluated subsequent events through the time of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Commission. No material subsequent events have occurred since December 31, 2015 that require recognition or disclosure in our financial statements, other than the asset sale disclosed in Note 5, "Property and Depreciation". Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when evidence of a customer arrangement exists, prices are fixed and determinable, product title, ownership and risk of loss transfers to the customer, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues recognized are primarily for product sales, but also include freight and handling charges. Our standard shipping terms are FOB shipping point, under which product title passes to the customer at the time of shipment. We also earn revenue for services provided to customers for supply chain management and logistics services. Service revenue, which accounts for less than 1% of net sales, is recognized when services are rendered and completed. Revenue is reported net of all taxes assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions, primarily sales tax. Outgoing Freight Expenses We record certain outgoing freight expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. These costs totaled $ 51,100 , $ 49,622 , and $ 48,497 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. 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 Doubtful Accounts 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 and specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio. 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 Our inventory is stated at the lower of cost (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. We make provisions for obsolete or excess inventories as necessary to reflect reductions in inventory value. 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 the point at which we will have completed our performance under the agreement and the deferred amounts will be earned. We perform analysis 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 earnings 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, plant and equipment are 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, plant and equipment, 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. Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, and a significant portion of our trade receivables may be protected by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses, and such losses historically have been within management’s expectations. Fair Value We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring 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 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 Our goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and/or 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 is then quantitatively tested for impairment. If a quantitative assessment is required, the fair value is determined using a variety of assumptions including estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit and applicable discount rates. Definite Lived Intangible Assets The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed, either on a straight-line or accelerated 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 5 to 20 years. Intangible assets are tested for impairment if events or circumstances occur indicating that the respective asset might be impaired. 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. Uncertainty exists regarding tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns still subject to examination and positions expected to be taken in future 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 not likely, 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 classify interest expense and penalties as part of our provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest/underpayment percentages. Other Postretirement Benefits We account for postretirement benefits other than pensions by accruing the costs of benefits to be provided over the 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 We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan accounted for by accruing the cost to provide the benefits over the 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. New Accounting Standards No new accounting standards that were issued or became effective during 2015 have had or are expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements except those noted below. Subsequent to December 31, 2015 but prior to issuance of this report, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The core principle of Topic 842 requires that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance is required to be adopted at the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact the provisions will have on our consolidated financial statements and whether we will adopt the guidance early. In November 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". The amendments in this Update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. This update applies to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We early adopted the ASU 2015-17, and disclose the quantitative information about the effects of the accounting change on prior periods in Note 7, "Income Taxes". In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-05, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement". This Update provides guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract and expensed as services are received. The Update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods. We do not expect the adoption of this Update to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. In February 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation". The amendments in this Update affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. This ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this Update to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which provides guidance on a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the Update for one year. The Update will now be effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard provides two alternative implementation methods. The first is to apply the new standard retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. This method allows the use of certain practical expedients. The second method is to apply the new standard retrospectively in the year of initial adoption and record a cumulative effect adjustment for the impact of adjusting contracts open at the date of adoption. Under this transition method, we would apply this guidance retrospectively only to contracts that are not completed contracts at the date of initial application, which for us will be January 1, 2018. We would then recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. This method also requires us to disclose comparative information for the year of adoption. We continue to determine which method we will use to implement the new standard and to assess the impact the new standard is expected to have on the consolidated financial statements or on other matters or aspects of our business.

Cash Discounts And Doubtful Acc

Cash Discounts And Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Cash Discounts and Doubtful Accounts	CASH DISCOUNTS AND DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS The following table summarizes the activity in the allowances for cash discounts and doubtful accounts: Beginning Balance Provision (Charged to Expense) Deductions Ending Balance For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Allowance for cash discounts $ 1,764 $ 26,044 $ (26,072 ) $ 1,736 Allowance for doubtful accounts 5,309 2,545 (3,711 ) 4,143 Total $ 7,073 $ 28,589 $ (29,783 ) $ 5,879 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Allowance for cash discounts $ 1,560 $ 25,318 $ (25,114 ) $ 1,764 Allowance for doubtful accounts 5,277 3,769 (3,737 ) 5,309 Total $ 6,837 $ 29,087 $ (28,851 ) $ 7,073 For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Allowance for cash discounts $ 1,411 $ 22,943 $ (22,794 ) $ 1,560 Allowance for doubtful accounts 5,457 2,028 (2,208 ) 5,277 Total $ 6,868 $ 24,971 $ (25,002 ) $ 6,837

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	INVENTORY Our inventory is stated at the lower of cost (determined using the LIFO cost method) or market. Inventories valued using the LIFO method comprised 93% and 92% of the total inventories at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Had the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method been used, merchandise inventory would have been $136,143 and $139,468 greater than reported under the LIFO method at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We did not liquidate any portion of previously-created LIFO layers in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 . Reserves for excess and obsolete inventories were $4,912 and $4,417 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The change in the reserve for excess and obsolete inventories, included in cost of merchandise sold, was $495 , $670 , and $247 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.

Property and Depreciation

Property and Depreciation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Depreciation	PROPERTY AND DEPRECIATION We provide for depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful asset lives: Classification Estimated Useful Asset Life Buildings 42 years Leasehold improvements Over the shorter of the asset’s life or the lease term Furniture, fixtures, equipment and software 3 to 14 years Assets held under capital leases Over the shorter of the asset’s life or the lease term Depreciation expense was $38,588 , $35,040 , and $32,917 in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. At the time property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to other income, net. Assets held under capital leases, consisting primarily of information technology equipment, are recorded in property with the corresponding obligations carried in long-term debt. The amount capitalized is the present value at the beginning of the lease term of the aggregate future minimum lease payments. Assets held under leases which were capitalized during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $7,354 and $10,430 , respectively. We capitalize interest expense on major construction and development projects while in progress. Interest capitalized in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $225 , $102 , and $182 , respectively. We capitalize qualifying internal and external costs incurred to develop or obtain software for internal use during the application development stage. Costs incurred during the pre-application development and post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred. We capitalized software and software development costs of $4,559 and $3,501 in 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and the amounts are recorded in furniture and fixtures. We consider properties to be assets held for sale when all of the following criteria are met: (i) a formal commitment to a plan to sell a property has been made and exercised; (ii) the property is available for sale in its present condition; (iii) actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated; (iv) sale of the property is probable and we expect the sale will occur within one year; and (v) the property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, we record the carrying value of each property at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and depreciation of the property ceases. The net book value of assets held for sale was $58 and $7,669 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and is recorded in net property in the consolidated balance sheet. During 2015 and 2014 , we sold assets classified as held for sale with net book values of $7,669 and $740 , respectively, and recorded net gains on the assets held for sale of $4,691 and $85 , respectively in other income, net. Subsequent to December 31, 2015 but prior to issuance of this report, we sold the last location included as an asset held for sale. The location had a net book value of $58 and yielded a net gain of $1,627 . We review long-lived assets held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For assets classified as to be held and used, impairment may occur if projected undiscounted cash flows are not adequate to cover the carrying value of the assets. In such cases, additional analysis is conducted to determine the amount of the loss to be recognized. The impairment loss is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its estimated fair value. The analysis requires estimates of the amount and timing of projected cash flows and, where applicable, selection of an appropriate discount rate. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed necessary. For assets held for sale, impairment occurs whenever the net book value of the property listed for sale exceeds the expected selling price less estimated selling expenses. There were no impairment charges recorded during 2015 and 2014 .

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill In 2015, goodwill increased due to the acquisition of Advantage Industrial Automation, Inc. ("Advantage"). See Note 15, "Acquisition", for further information on the acquisition. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, included in other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets, for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 2015 2014 Beginning Balance $ 6,680 $ 6,680 Goodwill Acquired 7,057 — Ending Balance $ 13,737 $ 6,680 As of December 31, 2015 , we have completed our annual impairment test and concluded that there is no impairment of our goodwill. Other Intangible Assets In 2015, other intangible assets were acquired in the acquisition of Advantage. See Note 15, "Acquisition", for further information on the acquisition. Other intangible assets, included in other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets, consist of the following: As of December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 5,970 $ (393 ) $ 5,577 Trade name 2,103 (99 ) 2,004 Non-compete agreements 210 (30 ) 180 Total $ 8,283 $ (522 ) $ 7,761 Customer relationships, trade name, and non-compete agreements have weighted-average useful lives from the date of purchase of 10.8 years, 15.0 years, and 5.0 years, respectively. Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $522 in 2015 . Estimated future amortization expense related to our intangible assets for the years ending December 31 are as follows: 2016 $ 738 2017 738 2018 738 2019 738 2020 708 After 2020 4,101 $ 7,761 We did not incur impairment losses related to our other intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2015 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES We determine our deferred tax assets and liabilities based upon the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of our assets and liabilities calculated using enacted applicable tax rates. We then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance. Changes in the valuation allowance, when recorded, are included in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements. Our unrecognized tax benefits of $ 2,247 , $3,104 , and $3,419 as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, are uncertain tax positions that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized. We are periodically engaged in tax return examinations, reviews of statute of limitations periods, and settlements surrounding income taxes. We do not anticipate a material change in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. Our uncertain tax benefits, and changes thereto, during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1, $ 3,104 $ 3,419 $ 3,530 Additions based on tax positions related to current year 464 490 516 Additions based on tax positions of prior years — — — Reductions for tax positions of prior years (252 ) (477 ) (567 ) Settlements (1,069 ) (328 ) (60 ) Balance at December 31, $ 2,247 $ 3,104 $ 3,419 We classify interest expense and penalties as part of our provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest/underpayment percentages. We have accrued $ 907 and $ 1,065 in interest and penalties at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Interest was computed on the difference between the provision for income taxes recognized in accordance with GAAP and the amount of benefit previously taken or expected to be taken in our federal, state, and local income tax returns. Our federal income tax returns for the tax years 2012 and forward are available for examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The statute of limitation for the 2012 federal return will expire on September 15, 2016, unless extended by consent. Our state income tax returns for 2011 through 2015 remain subject to examination by various state authorities with the latest period closing on December 31, 2020. We have not extended the statutes of limitations in any state jurisdictions with respect to years prior to 2011. The IRS concluded examinations of the Company's 2008-2011 federal income tax returns. In May 2014, we formalized settlement of the IRS audit for each of these four years. Collectively, including interest, we settled the assessments for $907 . This closure has been recorded in our federal income tax expense for 2014. A reconciliation between the “statutory” federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate in the consolidated statements of income is as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 “Statutory” federal tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.8 3.5 3.6 Other, net 1.2 1.8 1.2 Effective tax rate 40.0 % 40.3 % 39.8 % The components of income before taxes and the provision for income taxes recorded in the consolidated statements of income are as follows: For the Years Ended Components of Income before Taxes 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 143,144 $ 136,656 $ 127,858 Foreign 9,197 10,155 7,093 Income before taxes $ 152,341 $ 146,811 $ 134,951 For the Years Ended Components of Income Tax Provision 2015 2014 2013 Current expense U.S. Federal $ 46,174 $ 44,713 $ 47,790 State 7,996 7,266 7,066 Foreign 2,666 3,058 2,217 Total current expense $ 56,836 $ 55,037 $ 57,073 Deferred expense (benefit) U.S. Federal $ 3,224 4,049 (2,983 ) State 958 47 (458 ) Foreign (9 ) (8 ) 45 Total deferred expense (benefit) $ 4,173 $ 4,088 $ (3,396 ) Total income tax provision $ 61,009 $ 59,125 $ 53,677 Deferred income taxes are provided based upon differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The following deferred tax assets (liabilities) were recorded at December 31: Assets (Liabilities) 2015 2014 Postretirement benefits $ 29,184 $ 29,736 Payroll accruals 2,995 2,912 Bad debt reserves 1,653 2,106 Other deferred tax assets 9,438 8,623 Pension 60,645 42,836 Inventory 7,173 3,351 Subtotal 111,088 89,564 Less: valuation allowances (402 ) (393 ) Deferred tax assets 110,686 89,171 Fixed assets (40,086 ) (33,857 ) Computer software (6,412 ) (3,904 ) Other deferred tax liabilities (2,438 ) (1,974 ) Deferred tax liabilities (48,936 ) (39,735 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 61,750 $ 49,436 Deferred income taxes included in non-current assets (liabilities) at December 31 were: 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets included in other non-current assets $ 62,047 $ 49,801 Deferred tax liabilities included in other non-current liabilities (297 ) (365 ) In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. Public business entities must implement the new guidance for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Earlier adoption is permitted and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively for all periods presented. Required netting of deferred tax assets and liabilities by tax jurisdiction is not affected by this Update. We adopted ASU 2015-17 retrospectively for the annual period beginning January 1, 2015 resulting in a change in presentation of prior periods. Deferred tax assets included in other current assets decreased by $2,777 as of December 31, 2014 with a corresponding increase to deferred tax assets included in other non-current assets. Deferred tax liabilities included in other current liabilities of $365 as of December 31, 2014 , were reclassified to deferred tax liabilities included in other non-current liabilities. Operating loss carryforwards included in net deferred tax assets at December 31 were: 2015 2014 Foreign net operating losses (1) $ 349 $ 363 State net operating losses (2) 563 759 (1) Expires in 2024 (2) Expire between 2016 and 2031 Due to uncertainties regarding the utilization of our foreign and state net operating losses, a partial valuation allowance has been applied against the deferred tax benefit at December 31, 2015 . We have undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries of $72,488 and $66,297 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We have not made a provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes on these accumulated but undistributed earnings, as such earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S.

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	CAPITAL STOCK Our common stock is 100% owned by active and retired employees, and there is no public trading market for our common stock. Since 1928, substantially all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock have been held of record by voting trustees under successive voting trust agreements. Under applicable New York law, a voting trust may not have a term greater than ten years. At December 31, 2015 , approximately 83% of the common stock was held in a voting trust that expires by its terms on March 15, 2017 . The participation of shareholders in the voting trust is voluntary at the time the voting trust is created, but is irrevocable during its term. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the voting trust hold their common stock as shareholders of record. No holder of our common stock or voting trust interests representing our common stock ("common stock", "common shares", or "shares") may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares without first offering us the option to purchase those shares at the price at which they were issued. Additionally, a shareholder is entitled to any cash dividends, if any, accrued for the quarter in which the purchase offer is made, adjusted pro rata for the number of days such shares were held prior to the dividend record date. We also have the option to purchase at the issue price the common shares of any shareholder who ceases to be an employee for any reason other than death or retirement on a pension (except a deferred pension), and on the first anniversary of any holder's death. In the past, we have always exercised these purchase options and we expect to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. However, we can make no assurance that we will continue to exercise our purchase option in the future. All outstanding shares have been issued at $20.00 per share. During 2015 , eligible employees and qualified retirees subscribed for 878,608 shares totaling $17,572 . Subscribers under the Plan elected to make payments under one of the following options: (i) all shares subscribed for on or before January 8, 2016 ; or (ii) all shares subscribed for in installments paid through payroll deductions (or in certain cases where a subscriber is no longer on our payroll, through direct monthly payments) over an eleven-month period. Common shares were delivered to subscribers as of January 8, 2016 , in the case of shares paid for prior to January 8, 2016 . Shares will be issued and delivered to subscribers on a quarterly basis, as of the tenth day of March, June, September, and December, to the extent full payments for shares are made in the case of subscriptions under the installment method. Shown below is a summary of shares purchased and retired by the Company during the three years ended December 31: Shares of Common Stock Purchased Retired 2015 718,269 666,861 2014 752,983 780,077 2013 638,647 681,637 We also have authorized 10,000,000 shares of Delegated Authority Preferred Stock (“preferred stock”), par value one cent ( $0.01 ). The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, with the designations, relative rights, preferences, and limitations of shares of each such series being fixed by a resolution of our Board of Directors. There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . On December 10, 2015 , our Board of Directors declared a 2.5% common stock dividend. Each shareholder was entitled to one share of common stock for every forty shares held as of December 18, 2015 . The stock was issued on February 1, 2016 . There was no common stock dividend declared by our Board of Directors in 2014 . On December 12, 2013 , our Board of Directors declared a 2.5% common stock dividend. Each shareholder was entitled to one share of common stock for every forty shares held as of January 2, 2014 . The stock was issued on February 3, 2014 .

Net Income Per Share of Common

Net Income Per Share of Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share of Common Stock	NET INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK The computation of net income per share of common stock is based on the average number of common shares outstanding during each year, adjusted in all periods presented for the declaration of a 2.5% stock dividend declared in both 2015 and 2013 . There was no stock dividend declared in 2014. The average number of shares used in computing net income per share of common stock at December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was 16,364,441 , 16,243,882 , and 16,334,145 , respectively.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT December 31, Long-term Debt 2015 2014 1.85% note, unsecured, due in quarterly installments of $798 beginning in July 2014 $ 1,586 $ 4,714 1.43% note, unsecured, due in quarterly installments of $134 beginning in July 2014 267 794 2.01% to 30.63% capital leases, various maturities 14,977 12,328 $ 16,830 $ 17,836 Less current portion (6,558 ) (6,241 ) Long-term Debt $ 10,272 $ 11,595 Long-term Debt matures as follows: 2016 $ 6,558 2017 3,824 2018 1,357 2019 745 2020 642 After 2020 3,704 $ 16,830 The carrying amount of our outstanding long-term, fixed-rate debt exceeded its fair value by $1,243 and $1,331 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The fair value of the long-term, fixed-rate debt is estimated by using yields obtained from independent pricing sources for similar types of borrowings. The fair value of our variable-rate short- and long-term debt approximates its carrying value at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Revolving Credit Facility On December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we along with Graybar Canada Limited, our Canadian operating subsidiary (“Graybar Canada”), had an unsecured, five -year, $550,000 revolving credit agreement maturing in June 2019 with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders named therein (the "Credit Agreement"), which includes a combined letter of credit subfacility of up to $50,000 , a U.S. swing line loan facility of up to $50,000 , and a Canadian swing line loan facility of up to $20,000 . The Credit Agreement includes a $100,000 sublimit (in U.S. or Canadian dollars) for borrowings by Graybar Canada and contains an accordion feature, which allows us to request increases in the aggregate borrowing commitments of up to $300,000 . Borrowings of Graybar Canada may be in U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars. The obligations of Graybar Canada are secured by the guaranty of Graybar and any material domestic subsidiaries of Graybar (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Under no circumstances will Graybar Canada use its borrowings to benefit Graybar or its operations, including without limitation to repay any of Graybar’s obligations under the facility. Interest on our borrowings under the Credit Agreement are based on, at the borrower’s election, either (A) (i) the base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), or (ii) LIBOR (in the case of Graybar as borrower) or (B) (i) the base rate (as defined in the agreement) or (ii) CDOR (in the case of Graybar Canada as borrower), in each case plus an applicable margin, as determined by the pricing grid set forth in the Credit Agreement. In connection with such a borrowing, the applicable borrower also selects the term of the loan, up to six months. Swing line loans, which are daily loans, bear interest at a rate based on, at the borrower’s election, either (i) the base rate or (ii) the daily floating Eurodollar rate (or CDOR, in the case of Graybar Canada). In addition to interest payments, there are also certain fees and obligations associated with borrowings, swing line loans, letters of credit and other administrative matters. The Credit Agreement provides for a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% per annum, subject to adjustment based upon the consolidated leverage ratio for a fiscal quarter, and letter of credit fees ranging from 1.00% to 1.60% per annum payable quarterly, subject to such adjustment. Borrowings can be either base rate loans plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.60% or Eurodollar rate loans plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.60% , subject to adjustment based upon our consolidated leverage ratio. Availability under the Credit Agreement is subject to the accuracy of representations and warranties and absence of a default and, in the case of Canadian borrowings denominated in Canadian dollars, the absence of a material adverse change in the national or international financial markets, which would make it impracticable to lend Canadian dollars. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on us and our subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness, liens, changes in the nature of our business, investments, mergers and acquisitions, issuance of equity securities, dispositions of assets and dissolution of certain subsidiaries, transactions with affiliates, restricted payments (subject to incurrence tests, with certain exceptions), as well as securitizations, factoring transactions, and transactions with sanctioned parties or in violation of certain U.S. or Canadian anti-corruption laws. There are also maximum leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio financial covenants that we are subject to during the term of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, including a failure to pay principal, interest or fees when due, the fact that any representation or warranty made by any of the credit parties is materially incorrect, failure to comply with covenants, the occurrence of an event of default under certain other indebtedness by us and our subsidiaries, the commencement of certain insolvency or receivership events affecting any of the credit parties, certain actions under Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") and the occurrence of a change in control of any of the credit parties (subject to certain permitted transactions as described in the Credit Agreement). Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the commitments of the lenders may be terminated and all outstanding obligations of the credit parties under the Credit Agreement may be declared immediately due and payable. We had total letters of credit of $4,994 and $5,725 outstanding, of which none were issued under the $550,000 revolving credit facility at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The letters of credit are used primarily to support certain workers' compensation insurance policies. Short-term borrowings of $104,978 and $66,342 outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, were drawn under the revolving credit facility. Short-term borrowings outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 ranged from a minimum of $35,981 and $25,550 to a maximum of $184,188 and $111,912 , respectively. The average daily amount of borrowings outstanding under short-term credit agreements during 2015 and 2014 amounted to approximately $119,000 and $67,000 at weighted-average interest rates of 1.31% and 1.52% , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate for amounts outstanding at December 31, 2015 was 1.40% . At December 31, 2015 , we had available unused committed lines of credit amounting to $445,022 , compared to $483,658 at December 31, 2014 . These lines are available to meet our short-term cash requirements, and certain committed lines of credit have annual fees of up to 40 basis points ( 0.40% ) of the committed lines of credit as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The Credit Agreement contains various affirmative and negative covenants. We are also required to maintain certain financial ratios as defined in the Credit Agreement. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Private Placement Shelf Agreement On December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we had an uncommitted $100,000 private placement Shelf Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (the "Shelf Agreement"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, the Shelf Agreement allows us to issue senior promissory notes to affiliates of Prudential at fixed rate terms to be agreed upon at the time of any issuance during a three year issuance period ending in September 2017. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , no notes had been issued under the Shelf Agreement. The term of each note issuance will be selected by us and will not exceed 12 years and will have such other particular terms as shall be set forth, in the case of any series of notes, in the Confirmation of Acceptance with respect to such series. Any notes issued under the Shelf Agreement will be guaranteed by our material domestic subsidiaries, if any, as described in the Shelf Agreement. Any future proceeds of any issuance under the facilities will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and capital expenditures, to refinance existing indebtedness and/or to fund potential acquisitions. The Shelf Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the Company and Prudential. The Shelf Agreement also contains customary events of default, including: a failure to pay principal, interest or fees when due; a failure to comply with covenants; the fact that any representation or warranty made by any of the credit parties is incorrect when given; the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement or certain other indebtedness of us and our subsidiaries; the commencement of certain insolvency or receivership events affecting any of the credit parties; certain actions under ERISA; and the occurrence of a change in control of Graybar (subject to certain permitted transactions as described in the Credit Agreement). Upon the occurrence of an event of default, all outstanding obligations of Graybar under the Shelf Agreement may be declared immediately due and payable. The Shelf Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for facilities of this type, including limitations on us and our subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness, liens, changes in the nature of our business, investments, mergers and acquisitions, issuance of equity securities, dispositions of assets and dissolution of certain subsidiaries, transactions with affiliates, restricted payments (subject to incurrence tests, with certain exceptions), as well as securitizations, factoring transactions, and transactions with sanctioned parties or in violation of certain U.S. or Canadian anti-terrorism laws. There are also maximum leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio financial covenants that we are subject to during the term of the Shelf Agreement. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . In addition, we have agreed to a most favored lender clause which is designed to ensure that any notes issued under the Shelf Agreement in the future shall continue to be of equal ranking with our indebtedness under the Credit Agreement.

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS We have a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees first hired prior to July 1, 2015 after the completion of one year of service and 1,000 hours of service. The plan provides retirement benefits based on an employee’s average earnings and years of service. These employees become 100% vested after three years of service, regardless of age. A supplemental benefit plan provides nonqualified benefits for compensation in excess of the IRS compensation limits applicable to the plan. Our plan funding policy is to make contributions provided that the total annual contributions will not be less than ERISA and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 minimums or greater than the maximum tax-deductible amount, to review the contribution and funding strategy on a regular basis, and to allow discretionary contributions to be made by us from time to time. The assets of the defined benefit pension plan are invested primarily in fixed income investments and equity securities. We pay nonqualified pension benefits when they are due according to the terms of the supplemental benefit plan. We provide certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to retired employees. Substantially all of our employees hired or rehired prior to 2014 may become eligible for postretirement medical benefits if they reach the age and service requirements of the retiree medical plan and retire on a pension (except a deferred pension) under the defined benefit pension plan. Medical benefits are self-insured and claims are administered through an insurance company. The cost of coverage is determined based on the annual projected plan costs. The participant's premium or cost is determined based on Company guidelines. Postretirement life insurance benefits are insured through an insurance company. We fund postretirement benefits as incurred, and accordingly, there were no assets held in the postretirement benefits plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The following table sets forth information regarding the funded status of our pension and other postretirement benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 612,688 $ 558,650 $ 77,355 $ 76,134 Service cost 25,607 22,205 2,505 2,454 Interest cost 25,203 26,817 2,925 3,338 Actuarial loss (gain) 21,731 56,333 (2,165 ) (102 ) Benefits paid from plan assets (48,471 ) (47,420 ) — — Benefits paid from Company assets (1,537 ) (1,392 ) (6,131 ) (6,057 ) Plan participants' contributions — — 1,448 1,588 Administrative expenses paid (1,153 ) (1,032 ) — — Settlements (1) — (1,473 ) — — Benefit Obligation at End of Period 634,068 612,688 75,937 77,355 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 470,165 423,167 — — Actual return on plan assets (13,283 ) 55,450 — — Employer contributions (2) 41,537 42,865 4,683 4,469 Plan participants' contributions — — 1,448 1,588 Benefits paid (2) (50,008 ) (48,812 ) (6,131 ) (6,057 ) Administrative expenses paid (1,153 ) (1,032 ) — — Settlements (1)(2) — (1,473 ) — — Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Period 447,258 470,165 — — Unfunded Status $ 186,810 $ 142,523 $ 75,937 $ 77,355 (1) We recorded a settlement loss that resulted from lump sum pension distributions. (2) Includes $1,537 and $2,865 paid from our assets for unfunded nonqualified benefits in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plan was $551,662 and $517,857 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet for the years ended December 31 consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Current accrued benefit cost $ 1,599 $ 1,542 $ 5,634 $ 7,790 Non-current accrued benefit cost 185,211 140,981 70,303 69,565 Net amount recognized $ 186,810 $ 142,523 $ 75,937 $ 77,355 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, net of tax, consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ 170,180 $ 143,734 $ 10,983 $ 12,944 Prior service cost (gain) 716 992 (3,860 ) (5,193 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 170,896 $ 144,726 $ 7,123 $ 7,751 Amounts estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit costs in 2016 , net of tax, consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits Net actuarial loss $ 12,088 $ 481 Prior service cost (gain) 259 (1,333 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) $ 12,347 $ (852 ) Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the actuarial present value of the pension and postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31 are: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.48 % 4.08 % 4.09% 3.77% Rate of compensation increase 4.44 % 4.47 % — — Health care cost trend on covered charges — — 6.5% / 5% 7.5% / 5% For measurement of the postretirement benefit obligation, a 6.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed at December 31, 2015 . This rate is assumed to decline to 5.0% at January 1, 2019 and remain at that level thereafter. A one percent increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would not have had a material effect on the postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 included the following components: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 25,607 $ 22,205 $ 24,119 $ 2,505 $ 2,454 $ 2,644 Interest cost 25,203 26,817 23,914 2,925 3,338 2,873 Expected return on plan assets (28,297 ) (26,624 ) (23,909 ) — — — Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 20,028 17,639 26,371 1,044 1,267 1,794 Prior service cost (gain) 452 952 1,375 (2,181 ) (2,181 ) (2,181 ) Settlement loss — 789 — — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 42,993 $ 41,778 $ 51,870 $ 4,293 $ 4,878 $ 5,130 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31 were: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.08 % 4.87 % 3.95 % 3.77% 4.34% 3.51% Expected return on plan assets 6.25 % 6.25 % 6.00 % — — — Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.25 % 4.25 % — — — Health care cost trend on covered charges — — — 7% / 5% 7.5% / 5% 8% / 5% The expected return on plan assets assumption for the defined benefit pension plan is a long-term assumption and was determined after evaluating input from both the plan’s actuary and pension fund investment advisors, consideration of historical rates of return on plan assets, and anticipated current and long-term rates of return on the various classes of assets in which the plan invests. For measurement of the postretirement benefits net periodic cost, a 7.0% annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2015 . The rate was assumed to decline to 5.0% in 2019 and to remain at that level thereafter. A one percent increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would not have had a material effect on 2015 , 2014 and 2013 net periodic benefit cost. We expect to make contributions totaling $40,000 to our defined benefit pension plan and fund $1,635 for non-qualified benefits during 2016 . Estimated future defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plan payments to plan participants for the years ending December 31 are as follows: Year Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 $ 42,785 $ 5,748 2017 41,056 6,240 2018 42,078 6,552 2019 44,673 6,729 2020 46,845 6,909 After 2020 245,255 34,598 The investment objective of our defined benefit pension plan is to ensure that there are sufficient assets to fund regular pension benefits payable to employees over the long-term life of the plan. Our defined benefit pension plan seeks to allocate plan assets in a manner that is closely duration-matched with the actuarial projected cash flow liabilities, consistent with prudent standards for preservation of capital, tolerance of investment risk, and maintenance of liquidity. Assets of the qualified pension plan are held by Comerica Bank (the "Trustee"). Our defined benefit pension plan utilizes a liability-driven investment (“LDI”) approach to help meet these objectives. The LDI strategy employs a structured fixed-income portfolio designed to reduce volatility in the plan's future funding requirements and funding status. This is accomplished by using a blend of corporate fixed-income securities, long duration government, and quasi-governmental, as well as appropriate levels of equity and alternative investments designed to optimize the plan's liability hedge ratio. In practice, the value of an asset portfolio constructed primarily of fixed income securities is inversely correlated to changes in market interest rates, at least partially offsetting changes in the value of the pension benefit obligation caused by changes in the interest rate used to discount plan liabilities. Asset allocation information for the defined benefit pension plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Investment 2015 Actual Allocation 2015 Target Allocation Range 2014 Actual Allocation 2014 Target Allocation Range Equity securities-U.S. 12 % 3-15% 9 % 3-15% Equity securities-International 11 % 3-15% 9 % 3-15% Fixed income investments-U.S. 59 % 35-75% 61 % 35-75% Fixed income investments-International 6 % 3-10% 6 % 3-10% Absolute return 7 % 5-15% 7 % 5-15% Real assets 3 % 3-10% 5 % 3-10% Private equity 1 % 0-3% 1 % 0-3% Short-term investments 1 % 0-3% 2 % 0-3% Total 100 % 100% 100 % 100% The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets held by the defined benefit pension plan measured at fair value: Equity securities - U.S. Equity securities - U.S. consist of investments in U.S. corporate stocks and U.S. equity mutual funds. U.S. equity mutual funds include publicly traded mutual funds and a bank collective fund for ERISA plans. U.S. corporate stocks and U.S. equity mutual funds are primarily large-capitalization stocks (defined as companies with market capitalization of more than $10 billion). U.S. corporate stocks and publicly traded mutual funds are valued at the closing price reported on the active public market in which the individual securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. The bank collective fund for ERISA plans is valued at the net asset value ("NAV") of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. While the underlying assets of the bank collective fund are publicly available, the fund is not; thus, the bank collective fund investment is classified as Level 2. Equity securities - International Equity securities - International consist of investments in international corporate stocks and publicly traded mutual funds and are both primarily investments within developed and emerging markets. Both are valued at the closing price reported on the active public market in which the individual securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. Fixed income investments - U.S. Fixed income investments - U.S. consist of U.S. corporate bonds, government and government agency bonds, as well as a publicly traded mutual fund and a commingled fund, both of which invest in corporate and government debt securities within the U.S. U.S. corporate bonds, government and government agency bonds, and the publicly traded mutual fund are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which they are traded and thus are classified as Level 1. The commingled fund is valued at the NAV of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. While the underlying assets of the commingled fund are publicly available, the fund is not; thus, the commingled fund is classified as Level 2. Fixed income investments - International Fixed income investments - International consist of international corporate bonds. International corporate bonds are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which they are traded and thus are classified as Level 1. Absolute return Absolute return consists of investments in various hedge funds structured as fund-of-funds (defined as a single fund that invests in multiple funds). The hedge funds use various investment strategies in an attempt to generate non-correlated returns. A fund-of-funds is designed to help diversify and reduce the risk of the overall portfolio. The hedge funds are valued at the NAV of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. The underlying assets of the hedge funds are not publicly available; thus they are classified as Level 3. Audited financial statements are produced on an annual basis for the hedge funds. Real assets Real assets consists of natural resource funds (oil, gas and forestry) and a real estate investment trust ("REIT"). The natural resource funds are comprised of a bank collective trust for ERISA plans and a limited partnership ("LP"). The bank collective fund for ERISA plans is valued at the NAV of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. While the underlying assets of the bank collective fund are publicly available, the fund is not; thus, the fund is classified as Level 2. The LP is generally characterized as requiring a long-term commitment with limited liquidity. The value of the LP is not publicly available and thus, is classified as Level 3. The REIT is a commingled trust. The commingled trust is valued at the NAV of units of the trust. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. The underlying assets of the commingled trust are not publicly available; thus they are classified as Level 3. Audited financial statements are produced on an annual basis for the LP and REIT. Private equity Private equity is an asset class that is generally characterized as requiring long-term commitments and where liquidity is typically limited. Private equity does not have an actively traded market with readily observables prices. The investments are limited partnerships structured as fund-of-funds. The investments are diversified across typical private equity strategies including: buyouts, co-investments, secondary offerings, venture capital, and special situations. Valuations are developed using a variety of proprietary model methodologies. Valuations may be derived from publicly available sources as well as information obtained from each fund's general partner based upon public market conditions and returns. All private equity investments are classified as Level 3. Audited financial statements are produced on an annual basis for the private equity investments. Short-term investments Short-term investments consist of cash and cash equivalents in a short-term fund which is valued at the NAV of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. The short-term fund classifies the underlying assets as Level 2 within the short-term fund's financial statements; thus, the fund is classified as Level 2. The methods described above may produce fair value calculations that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while we believe our defined benefit pension plan valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the methodologies for determining fair value at December 31, 2015 or 2014 . The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the defined benefit pension plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : December 31, 2015 Investment Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities - U.S. Corporate stocks $ 18,908 $ — $ — $ 18,908 Mutual funds 24,652 9,206 — 33,858 Equity securities - International Corporate stocks 1,410 — — 1,410 Mutual funds 46,594 — — 46,594 Fixed income investments - U.S. Corporate debt 131,109 — — 131,109 U.S. government debt 42,720 — — 42,720 Mutual funds 22,393 70,949 — 93,342 Fixed income investments - International 26,044 — — 26,044 Absolute return — — 32,383 32,383 Real assets — — 13,622 13,622 Private equity — — 2,704 2,704 Short-term investments — 4,564 — 4,564 Total $ 313,830 $ 84,719 $ 48,709 $ 447,258 December 31, 2014 Investment Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities - U.S. Corporate stocks $ 17,092 $ — $ — $ 17,092 Mutual funds 18,006 8,733 — 26,739 Equity securities - International Corporate stocks 946 — — 946 Mutual funds 43,710 — — 43,710 Fixed income investments - U.S. Corporate debt 128,033 — — 128,033 U.S. government debt 52,674 — — 52,674 Mutual funds 29,799 74,525 — 104,324 Fixed income investments - International 27,784 — — 27,784 Absolute return — — 33,021 33,021 Real assets — 7,598 16,518 24,116 Private equity — — 3,682 3,682 Short-term investments — 8,044 — 8,044 Total $ 318,044 $ 98,900 $ 53,221 $ 470,165 The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the defined benefit pension plan's Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : December 31, 2015 Absolute Return Real Assets Private Equity Total Balance, beginning of year $ 33,021 $ 16,518 $ 3,682 $ 53,221 Realized gains 108 763 174 1,045 Unrealized gains (losses) 4 1,607 (92 ) 1,519 Purchases 272 — 188 460 Sales (1,022 ) (5,266 ) (1,248 ) (7,536 ) Balance, end of year $ 32,383 $ 13,622 $ 2,704 $ 48,709 December 31, 2014 Absolute Return Real Assets Private Equity Total Balance, beginning of year $ 39,448 $ 14,737 $ 3,793 $ 57,978 Realized gains 386 48 76 510 Unrealized gains 1,837 2,065 432 4,334 Purchases — 48 359 407 Sales (8,650 ) (380 ) (978 ) (10,008 ) Balance, end of year $ 33,021 $ 16,518 $ 3,682 $ 53,221

Profit Sharing and Savings Plan

Profit Sharing and Savings Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Profit Sharing and Savings Plan	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS We have a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees first hired prior to July 1, 2015 after the completion of one year of service and 1,000 hours of service. The plan provides retirement benefits based on an employee’s average earnings and years of service. These employees become 100% vested after three years of service, regardless of age. A supplemental benefit plan provides nonqualified benefits for compensation in excess of the IRS compensation limits applicable to the plan. Our plan funding policy is to make contributions provided that the total annual contributions will not be less than ERISA and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 minimums or greater than the maximum tax-deductible amount, to review the contribution and funding strategy on a regular basis, and to allow discretionary contributions to be made by us from time to time. The assets of the defined benefit pension plan are invested primarily in fixed income investments and equity securities. We pay nonqualified pension benefits when they are due according to the terms of the supplemental benefit plan. We provide certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to retired employees. Substantially all of our employees hired or rehired prior to 2014 may become eligible for postretirement medical benefits if they reach the age and service requirements of the retiree medical plan and retire on a pension (except a deferred pension) under the defined benefit pension plan. Medical benefits are self-insured and claims are administered through an insurance company. The cost of coverage is determined based on the annual projected plan costs. The participant's premium or cost is determined based on Company guidelines. Postretirement life insurance benefits are insured through an insurance company. We fund postretirement benefits as incurred, and accordingly, there were no assets held in the postretirement benefits plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The following table sets forth information regarding the funded status of our pension and other postretirement benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 612,688 $ 558,650 $ 77,355 $ 76,134 Service cost 25,607 22,205 2,505 2,454 Interest cost 25,203 26,817 2,925 3,338 Actuarial loss (gain) 21,731 56,333 (2,165 ) (102 ) Benefits paid from plan assets (48,471 ) (47,420 ) — — Benefits paid from Company assets (1,537 ) (1,392 ) (6,131 ) (6,057 ) Plan participants' contributions — — 1,448 1,588 Administrative expenses paid (1,153 ) (1,032 ) — — Settlements (1) — (1,473 ) — — Benefit Obligation at End of Period 634,068 612,688 75,937 77,355 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 470,165 423,167 — — Actual return on plan assets (13,283 ) 55,450 — — Employer contributions (2) 41,537 42,865 4,683 4,469 Plan participants' contributions — — 1,448 1,588 Benefits paid (2) (50,008 ) (48,812 ) (6,131 ) (6,057 ) Administrative expenses paid (1,153 ) (1,032 ) — — Settlements (1)(2) — (1,473 ) — — Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Period 447,258 470,165 — — Unfunded Status $ 186,810 $ 142,523 $ 75,937 $ 77,355 (1) We recorded a settlement loss that resulted from lump sum pension distributions. (2) Includes $1,537 and $2,865 paid from our assets for unfunded nonqualified benefits in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plan was $551,662 and $517,857 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet for the years ended December 31 consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Current accrued benefit cost $ 1,599 $ 1,542 $ 5,634 $ 7,790 Non-current accrued benefit cost 185,211 140,981 70,303 69,565 Net amount recognized $ 186,810 $ 142,523 $ 75,937 $ 77,355 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, net of tax, consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ 170,180 $ 143,734 $ 10,983 $ 12,944 Prior service cost (gain) 716 992 (3,860 ) (5,193 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 170,896 $ 144,726 $ 7,123 $ 7,751 Amounts estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit costs in 2016 , net of tax, consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits Net actuarial loss $ 12,088 $ 481 Prior service cost (gain) 259 (1,333 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) $ 12,347 $ (852 ) Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the actuarial present value of the pension and postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31 are: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.48 % 4.08 % 4.09% 3.77% Rate of compensation increase 4.44 % 4.47 % — — Health care cost trend on covered charges — — 6.5% / 5% 7.5% / 5% For measurement of the postretirement benefit obligation, a 6.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed at December 31, 2015 . This rate is assumed to decline to 5.0% at January 1, 2019 and remain at that level thereafter. A one percent increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would not have had a material effect on the postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 included the following components: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 25,607 $ 22,205 $ 24,119 $ 2,505 $ 2,454 $ 2,644 Interest cost 25,203 26,817 23,914 2,925 3,338 2,873 Expected return on plan assets (28,297 ) (26,624 ) (23,909 ) — — — Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 20,028 17,639 26,371 1,044 1,267 1,794 Prior service cost (gain) 452 952 1,375 (2,181 ) (2,181 ) (2,181 ) Settlement loss — 789 — — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 42,993 $ 41,778 $ 51,870 $ 4,293 $ 4,878 $ 5,130 Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31 were: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.08 % 4.87 % 3.95 % 3.77% 4.34% 3.51% Expected return on plan assets 6.25 % 6.25 % 6.00 % — — — Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.25 % 4.25 % — — — Health care cost trend on covered charges — — — 7% / 5% 7.5% / 5% 8% / 5% The expected return on plan assets assumption for the defined benefit pension plan is a long-term assumption and was determined after evaluating input from both the plan’s actuary and pension fund investment advisors, consideration of historical rates of return on plan assets, and anticipated current and long-term rates of return on the various classes of assets in which the plan invests. For measurement of the postretirement benefits net periodic cost, a 7.0% annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2015 . The rate was assumed to decline to 5.0% in 2019 and to remain at that level thereafter. A one percent increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would not have had a material effect on 2015 , 2014 and 2013 net periodic benefit cost. We expect to make contributions totaling $40,000 to our defined benefit pension plan and fund $1,635 for non-qualified benefits during 2016 . Estimated future defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plan payments to plan participants for the years ending December 31 are as follows: Year Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 $ 42,785 $ 5,748 2017 41,056 6,240 2018 42,078 6,552 2019 44,673 6,729 2020 46,845 6,909 After 2020 245,255 34,598 The investment objective of our defined benefit pension plan is to ensure that there are sufficient assets to fund regular pension benefits payable to employees over the long-term life of the plan. Our defined benefit pension plan seeks to allocate plan assets in a manner that is closely duration-matched with the actuarial projected cash flow liabilities, consistent with prudent standards for preservation of capital, tolerance of investment risk, and maintenance of liquidity. Assets of the qualified pension plan are held by Comerica Bank (the "Trustee"). Our defined benefit pension plan utilizes a liability-driven investment (“LDI”) approach to help meet these objectives. The LDI strategy employs a structured fixed-income portfolio designed to reduce volatility in the plan's future funding requirements and funding status. This is accomplished by using a blend of corporate fixed-income securities, long duration government, and quasi-governmental, as well as appropriate levels of equity and alternative investments designed to optimize the plan's liability hedge ratio. In practice, the value of an asset portfolio constructed primarily of fixed income securities is inversely correlated to changes in market interest rates, at least partially offsetting changes in the value of the pension benefit obligation caused by changes in the interest rate used to discount plan liabilities. Asset allocation information for the defined benefit pension plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Investment 2015 Actual Allocation 2015 Target Allocation Range 2014 Actual Allocation 2014 Target Allocation Range Equity securities-U.S. 12 % 3-15% 9 % 3-15% Equity securities-International 11 % 3-15% 9 % 3-15% Fixed income investments-U.S. 59 % 35-75% 61 % 35-75% Fixed income investments-International 6 % 3-10% 6 % 3-10% Absolute return 7 % 5-15% 7 % 5-15% Real assets 3 % 3-10% 5 % 3-10% Private equity 1 % 0-3% 1 % 0-3% Short-term investments 1 % 0-3% 2 % 0-3% Total 100 % 100% 100 % 100% The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets held by the defined benefit pension plan measured at fair value: Equity securities - U.S. Equity securities - U.S. consist of investments in U.S. corporate stocks and U.S. equity mutual funds. U.S. equity mutual funds include publicly traded mutual funds and a bank collective fund for ERISA plans. U.S. corporate stocks and U.S. equity mutual funds are primarily large-capitalization stocks (defined as companies with market capitalization of more than $10 billion). U.S. corporate stocks and publicly traded mutual funds are valued at the closing price reported on the active public market in which the individual securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. The bank collective fund for ERISA plans is valued at the net asset value ("NAV") of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. While the underlying assets of the bank collective fund are publicly available, the fund is not; thus, the bank collective fund investment is classified as Level 2. Equity securities - International Equity securities - International consist of investments in international corporate stocks and publicly traded mutual funds and are both primarily investments within developed and emerging markets. Both are valued at the closing price reported on the active public market in which the individual securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. Fixed income investments - U.S. Fixed income investments - U.S. consist of U.S. corporate bonds, government and government agency bonds, as well as a publicly traded mutual fund and a commingled fund, both of which invest in corporate and government debt securities within the U.S. U.S. corporate bonds, government and government agency bonds, and the publicly traded mutual fund are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which they are traded and thus are classified as Level 1. The commingled fund is valued at the NAV of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. While the underlying assets of the commingled fund are publicly available, the fund is not; thus, the commingled fund is classified as Level 2. Fixed income investments - International Fixed income investments - International consist of international corporate bonds. International corporate bonds are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which they are traded and thus are classified as Level 1. Absolute return Absolute return consists of investments in various hedge funds structured as fund-of-funds (defined as a single fund that invests in multiple funds). The hedge funds use various investment strategies in an attempt to generate non-correlated returns. A fund-of-funds is designed to help diversify and reduce the risk of the overall portfolio. The hedge funds are valued at the NAV of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. The underlying assets of the hedge funds are not publicly available; thus they are classified as Level 3. Audited financial statements are produced on an annual basis for the hedge funds. Real assets Real assets consists of natural resource funds (oil, gas and forestry) and a real estate investment trust ("REIT"). The natural resource funds are comprised of a bank collective trust for ERISA plans and a limited partnership ("LP"). The bank collective fund for ERISA plans is valued at the NAV of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. While the underlying assets of the bank collective fund are publicly available, the fund is not; thus, the fund is classified as Level 2. The LP is generally characterized as requiring a long-term commitment with limited liquidity. The value of the LP is not publicly available and thus, is classified as Level 3. The REIT is a commingled trust. The commingled trust is valued at the NAV of units of the trust. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. The underlying assets of the commingled trust are not publicly available; thus they are classified as Level 3. Audited financial statements are produced on an annual basis for the LP and REIT. Private equity Private equity is an asset class that is generally characterized as requiring long-term commitments and where liquidity is typically limited. Private equity does not have an actively traded market with readily observables prices. The investments are limited partnerships structured as fund-of-funds. The investments are diversified across typical private equity strategies including: buyouts, co-investments, secondary offerings, venture capital, and special situations. Valuations are developed using a variety of proprietary model methodologies. Valuations may be derived from publicly available sources as well as information obtained from each fund's general partner based upon public market conditions and returns. All private equity investments are classified as Level 3. Audited financial statements are produced on an annual basis for the private equity investments. Short-term investments Short-term investments consist of cash and cash equivalents in a short-term fund which is valued at the NAV of units of the fund. The NAV, as provided by the Trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund. The short-term fund classifies the underlying assets as Level 2 within the short-term fund's financial statements; thus, the fund is classified as Level 2. The methods described above may produce fair value calculations that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while we believe our defined benefit pension plan valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the methodologies for determining fair value at December 31, 2015 or 2014 . The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the defined benefit pension plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : December 31, 2015 Investment Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities - U.S. Corporate stocks $ 18,908 $ — $ — $ 18,908 Mutual funds 24,652 9,206 — 33,858 Equity securities - International Corporate stocks 1,410 — — 1,410 Mutual funds 46,594 — — 46,594 Fixed income investments - U.S. Corporate debt 131,109 — — 131,109 U.S. government debt 42,720 — — 42,720 Mutual funds 22,393 70,949 — 93,342 Fixed income investments - International 26,044 — — 26,044 Absolute return — — 32,383 32,383 Real assets — — 13,622 13,622 Private equity — — 2,704 2,704 Short-term investments — 4,564 — 4,564 Total $ 313,830 $ 84,719 $ 48,709 $ 447,258 December 31, 2014 Investment Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities - U.S. Corporate stocks $ 17,092 $ — $ — $ 17,092 Mutual funds 18,006 8,733 — 26,739 Equity securities - International Corporate stocks 946 — — 946 Mutual funds 43,710 — — 43,710 Fixed income investments - U.S. Corporate debt 128,033 — — 128,033 U.S. government debt 52,674 — — 52,674 Mutual funds 29,799 74,525 — 104,324 Fixed income investments - International 27,784 — — 27,784 Absolute return — — 33,021 33,021 Real assets — 7,598 16,518 24,116 Private equity — — 3,682 3,682 Short-term investments — 8,044 — 8,044 Total $ 318,044 $ 98,900 $ 53,221 $ 470,165 The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the defined benefit pension plan's Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : December 31, 2015 Absolute Return Real Assets Private Equity Total Balance, beginning of year $ 33,021 $ 16,518 $ 3,682 $ 53,221 Realized gains 108 763 174 1,045 Unrealized gains (losses) 4 1,607 (92 ) 1,519 Purchases 272 — 188 460 Sales (1,022 ) (5,266 ) (1,248 ) (7,536 ) Balance, end of year $ 32,383 $ 13,622 $ 2,704 $ 48,709 December 31, 2014 Absolute Return Real Assets Private Equity Total Balance, beginning of year $ 39,448 $ 14,737 $ 3,793 $ 57,978 Realized gains 386 48 76 510 Unrealized gains 1,837 2,065 432 4,334 Purchases — 48 359 407 Sales (8,650 ) (380 ) (978 ) (10,008 ) Balance, end of year $ 33,021 $ 16,518 $ 3,682 $ 53,221
Profit Sharing and Savings Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Profit Sharing and Savings Plan	PROFIT SHARING AND SAVINGS PLAN We provide a defined contribution profit sharing and savings plan covering substantially all of our eligible employees with an individual account for each participant. Employees may make voluntary before-tax/or after-tax contributions, ranging from 2% to 50% of pay, to the savings portion of the plan subject to limitations imposed by federal tax law, ERISA, and the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Effective July 1, 2015, all employees hired or rehired after July 1, 2015, will be eligible to receive a Company matching contribution beginning the first month after the completion of one year of service and 1,000 hours of service. The Company match is equal to 50% of an eligible employee's before-tax contribution, up to 6% of pay, with a maximum match of 3%. Annual contributions made by us to the profit-sharing portion of the plan are at the discretion of our management and are generally based on the profitability of the Company. Expense recognized by us under the profit-sharing portion of the plan was $40,020 , $56,709 , and $34,132 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Rental expense was $22,685 , $21,891 , and $21,134 in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have either initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: For the Years Ending December 31, Minimum Rental Payments 2016 $ 23,457 2017 19,678 2018 14,716 2019 10,193 2020 4,574 After 2020 3,798 Graybar and our subsidiaries are subject to various claims, disputes, and administrative and legal matters incidental to our past and current business activities. As a result, contingencies arise resulting from an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving an uncertainty as to the realization of a possible loss. We account for loss contingencies in accordance with GAAP. Estimated loss contingencies are accrued only if the loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. With respect to a particular loss contingency, it may be probable that a loss has occurred but the estimate of the loss is a wide range. If we deem an amount within the range to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount will be accrued. However, if no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount of the range is accrued. While we believe that none of these claims, disputes, administrative, and legal matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, these matters are uncertain and we cannot at this time determine whether the financial impact, if any, of these matters will be material to our results of operations in the period in which such matters are resolved or a better estimate becomes available.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31 are as follows: 2015 2014 Currency translation $ (12,416 ) $ 284 Pension liability (170,896 ) (144,726 ) Postretirement benefits liability (7,123 ) (7,751 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (190,435 ) $ (152,193 ) The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 2014 Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total Affected Line in Consolidated Statement of Income: Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 21,072 $ (1,729 ) $ 19,343 $ 19,695 $ (1,229 ) $ 18,466 Tax (benefit) expense (8,197 ) 673 (7,524 ) (7,661 ) 478 (7,183 ) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 12,875 $ (1,056 ) $ 11,819 $ 12,034 $ (751 ) $ 11,283 The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 2014 Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total Beginning balance January 1, $ 284 $ (152,477 ) $ (152,193 ) $ 6,653 $ (147,016 ) $ (140,363 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (12,700 ) — (12,700 ) (6,369 ) — (6,369 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(7,524) and $(7,183)) — 11,819 11,819 — 11,283 11,283 Actuarial gain (loss), (net of tax $23,785 and $10,660) — (37,361 ) (37,361 ) — (16,744 ) (16,744 ) Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (12,700 ) (25,542 ) (38,242 ) (6,369 ) (5,461 ) (11,830 ) Ending balance December 31, $ (12,416 ) $ (178,019 ) $ (190,435 ) $ 284 $ (152,477 ) $ (152,193 )

Acquisition Acquisition

Acquisition Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	ACQUISITION In April 2015, we acquired 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Advantage, which provides control and automation solutions to industrial users, OEMs and system integrators, for $18,093 in cash, net of cash acquired. The purchase price allocation resulted in $7,057 and $8,283 of tax deductible goodwill and other intangible assets, respectively. Since the date of acquisition, Advantage's results are reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Pro forma results of this acquisition were not material; therefore, they are not presented.

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) The following tables set forth selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 For the Quarter Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Net sales $ 1,393,778 $ 1,570,008 $ 1,583,886 $ 1,562,627 Gross margin $ 259,026 $ 293,345 $ 302,958 $ 299,416 Net income attributable to the Company $ 12,460 $ 25,088 $ 28,311 $ 25,209 Net income attributable to the Company per share of common stock (A) $ 0.76 $ 1.53 $ 1.73 $ 1.55 (A) All periods adjusted for a 2.5% stock dividend declared in December 2015 . Prior to these adjustments, the average common shares outstanding for the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2015 were 16,023,053 , 15,986,695 , 15,942,178 , and 15,927,663 , respectively. 2014 For the Quarter Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Net sales $ 1,312,800 $ 1,517,375 $ 1,569,757 $ 1,578,929 Gross margin $ 249,457 $ 281,942 $ 294,535 $ 292,613 Net income attributable to the Company $ 11,321 $ 29,044 $ 30,464 $ 16,599 Net income attributable to the Company per share of common stock (A) $ 0.69 $ 1.79 $ 1.88 $ 1.02 (A) All periods adjusted for a 2.5% stock dividend declared in December 2015 . Prior to these adjustments, the average common shares outstanding for the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2014 were 15,969,254 , 15,841,788 , 15,798,638 , and 15,802,792 , respectively.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Graybar and its subsidiary companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The ownership interests that are held by owners other than the Company in subsidiaries consolidated by the Company 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.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial information to conform to the December 31, 2015 presentation.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events We have evaluated subsequent events through the time of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Commission. No material subsequent events have occurred since December 31, 2015 that require recognition or disclosure in our financial statements, other than the asset sale disclosed in Note 5, "Property and Depreciation".
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when evidence of a customer arrangement exists, prices are fixed and determinable, product title, ownership and risk of loss transfers to the customer, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues recognized are primarily for product sales, but also include freight and handling charges. Our standard shipping terms are FOB shipping point, under which product title passes to the customer at the time of shipment. We also earn revenue for services provided to customers for supply chain management and logistics services. Service revenue, which accounts for less than 1% of net sales, is recognized when services are rendered and completed. Revenue is reported net of all taxes assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions, primarily sales tax.
Outgoing Freight Expenses	Outgoing Freight Expenses We record certain outgoing freight expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. These costs totaled $ 51,100 , $ 49,622 , and $ 48,497 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , 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 Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 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 and specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio. 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 stated at the lower of cost (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. 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 the point at which we will have completed our performance under the agreement and the deferred amounts will be earned. We perform analysis 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 earnings 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, plant and equipment are 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, plant and equipment, 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.
Credit Risk	Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, and a significant portion of our trade receivables may be protected by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses, and such losses historically have been within management’s expectations.
Fair Value	Fair Value We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring 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/or 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 is then quantitatively tested for impairment. If a quantitative assessment is required, the fair value is 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, either on a straight-line or accelerated 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 5 to 20 years. Intangible assets are tested for impairment if events or circumstances occur indicating that the respective asset might be impaired.
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. Uncertainty exists regarding tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns still subject to examination and positions expected to be taken in future 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 not likely, 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 classify interest expense and penalties 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 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 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.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards No new accounting standards that were issued or became effective during 2015 have had or are expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements except those noted below. Subsequent to December 31, 2015 but prior to issuance of this report, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The core principle of Topic 842 requires that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance is required to be adopted at the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact the provisions will have on our consolidated financial statements and whether we will adopt the guidance early. In November 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". The amendments in this Update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. This update applies to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We early adopted the ASU 2015-17, and disclose the quantitative information about the effects of the accounting change on prior periods in Note 7, "Income Taxes". In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-05, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement". This Update provides guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract and expensed as services are received. The Update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods. We do not expect the adoption of this Update to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. In February 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation". The amendments in this Update affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. This ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this Update to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which provides guidance on a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the Update for one year. The Update will now be effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard provides two alternative implementation methods. The first is to apply the new standard retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. This method allows the use of certain practical expedients. The second method is to apply the new standard retrospectively in the year of initial adoption and record a cumulative effect adjustment for the impact of adjusting contracts open at the date of adoption. Under this transition method, we would apply this guidance retrospectively only to contracts that are not completed contracts at the date of initial application, which for us will be January 1, 2018. We would then recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. This method also requires us to disclose comparative information for the year of adoption. We continue to determine which method we will use to implement the new standard and to assess the impact the new standard is expected to have on the consolidated financial statements or on other matters or aspects of our business.

Cash Discounts And Doubtful A27

Cash Discounts And Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Discounts and Doubtful Accounts	The following table summarizes the activity in the allowances for cash discounts and doubtful accounts: Beginning Balance Provision (Charged to Expense) Deductions Ending Balance For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Allowance for cash discounts $ 1,764 $ 26,044 $ (26,072 ) $ 1,736 Allowance for doubtful accounts 5,309 2,545 (3,711 ) 4,143 Total $ 7,073 $ 28,589 $ (29,783 ) $ 5,879 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Allowance for cash discounts $ 1,560 $ 25,318 $ (25,114 ) $ 1,764 Allowance for doubtful accounts 5,277 3,769 (3,737 ) 5,309 Total $ 6,837 $ 29,087 $ (28,851 ) $ 7,073 For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Allowance for cash discounts $ 1,411 $ 22,943 $ (22,794 ) $ 1,560 Allowance for doubtful accounts 5,457 2,028 (2,208 ) 5,277 Total $ 6,868 $ 24,971 $ (25,002 ) $ 6,837

Property and Depreciation (Tabl

Property and Depreciation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Depreciation	We provide for depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful asset lives: Classification Estimated Useful Asset Life Buildings 42 years Leasehold improvements Over the shorter of the asset’s life or the lease term Furniture, fixtures, equipment and software 3 to 14 years Assets held under capital leases Over the shorter of the asset’s life or the lease term

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, included in other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets, for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 2015 2014 Beginning Balance $ 6,680 $ 6,680 Goodwill Acquired 7,057 — Ending Balance $ 13,737 $ 6,680
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets, included in other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets, consist of the following: As of December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 5,970 $ (393 ) $ 5,577 Trade name 2,103 (99 ) 2,004 Non-compete agreements 210 (30 ) 180 Total $ 8,283 $ (522 ) $ 7,761
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity	Estimated future amortization expense related to our intangible assets for the years ending December 31 are as follows: 2016 $ 738 2017 738 2018 738 2019 738 2020 708 After 2020 4,101 $ 7,761

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	Our uncertain tax benefits, and changes thereto, during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1, $ 3,104 $ 3,419 $ 3,530 Additions based on tax positions related to current year 464 490 516 Additions based on tax positions of prior years — — — Reductions for tax positions of prior years (252 ) (477 ) (567 ) Settlements (1,069 ) (328 ) (60 ) Balance at December 31, $ 2,247 $ 3,104 $ 3,419
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation between the “statutory” federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate in the consolidated statements of income is as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 “Statutory” federal tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.8 3.5 3.6 Other, net 1.2 1.8 1.2 Effective tax rate 40.0 % 40.3 % 39.8 %
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	The components of income before taxes and the provision for income taxes recorded in the consolidated statements of income are as follows: For the Years Ended Components of Income before Taxes 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 143,144 $ 136,656 $ 127,858 Foreign 9,197 10,155 7,093 Income before taxes $ 152,341 $ 146,811 $ 134,951
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense Benefit	For the Years Ended Components of Income Tax Provision 2015 2014 2013 Current expense U.S. Federal $ 46,174 $ 44,713 $ 47,790 State 7,996 7,266 7,066 Foreign 2,666 3,058 2,217 Total current expense $ 56,836 $ 55,037 $ 57,073 Deferred expense (benefit) U.S. Federal $ 3,224 4,049 (2,983 ) State 958 47 (458 ) Foreign (9 ) (8 ) 45 Total deferred expense (benefit) $ 4,173 $ 4,088 $ (3,396 ) Total income tax provision $ 61,009 $ 59,125 $ 53,677
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The following deferred tax assets (liabilities) were recorded at December 31: Assets (Liabilities) 2015 2014 Postretirement benefits $ 29,184 $ 29,736 Payroll accruals 2,995 2,912 Bad debt reserves 1,653 2,106 Other deferred tax assets 9,438 8,623 Pension 60,645 42,836 Inventory 7,173 3,351 Subtotal 111,088 89,564 Less: valuation allowances (402 ) (393 ) Deferred tax assets 110,686 89,171 Fixed assets (40,086 ) (33,857 ) Computer software (6,412 ) (3,904 ) Other deferred tax liabilities (2,438 ) (1,974 ) Deferred tax liabilities (48,936 ) (39,735 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 61,750 $ 49,436 Deferred income taxes included in non-current assets (liabilities) at December 31 were: 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets included in other non-current assets $ 62,047 $ 49,801 Deferred tax liabilities included in other non-current liabilities (297 ) (365 )
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards	Operating loss carryforwards included in net deferred tax assets at December 31 were: 2015 2014 Foreign net operating losses (1) $ 349 $ 363 State net operating losses (2) 563 759 (1) Expires in 2024 (2) Expire between 2016 and 2031

Capital Stock (Tables)

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Common Stock Shares Purchased and Retired	Shown below is a summary of shares purchased and retired by the Company during the three years ended December 31: Shares of Common Stock Purchased Retired 2015 718,269 666,861 2014 752,983 780,077 2013 638,647 681,637

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	December 31, Long-term Debt 2015 2014 1.85% note, unsecured, due in quarterly installments of $798 beginning in July 2014 $ 1,586 $ 4,714 1.43% note, unsecured, due in quarterly installments of $134 beginning in July 2014 267 794 2.01% to 30.63% capital leases, various maturities 14,977 12,328 $ 16,830 $ 17,836 Less current portion (6,558 ) (6,241 ) Long-term Debt $ 10,272 $ 11,595
Schedule of Long-term Debt Maturities	Long-term Debt matures as follows: 2016 $ 6,558 2017 3,824 2018 1,357 2019 745 2020 642 After 2020 3,704 $ 16,830

Pension and Other Postretirem33

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Funded Status	The following table sets forth information regarding the funded status of our pension and other postretirement benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 612,688 $ 558,650 $ 77,355 $ 76,134 Service cost 25,607 22,205 2,505 2,454 Interest cost 25,203 26,817 2,925 3,338 Actuarial loss (gain) 21,731 56,333 (2,165 ) (102 ) Benefits paid from plan assets (48,471 ) (47,420 ) — — Benefits paid from Company assets (1,537 ) (1,392 ) (6,131 ) (6,057 ) Plan participants' contributions — — 1,448 1,588 Administrative expenses paid (1,153 ) (1,032 ) — — Settlements (1) — (1,473 ) — — Benefit Obligation at End of Period 634,068 612,688 75,937 77,355 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 470,165 423,167 — — Actual return on plan assets (13,283 ) 55,450 — — Employer contributions (2) 41,537 42,865 4,683 4,469 Plan participants' contributions — — 1,448 1,588 Benefits paid (2) (50,008 ) (48,812 ) (6,131 ) (6,057 ) Administrative expenses paid (1,153 ) (1,032 ) — — Settlements (1)(2) — (1,473 ) — — Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Period 447,258 470,165 — — Unfunded Status $ 186,810 $ 142,523 $ 75,937 $ 77,355 (1) We recorded a settlement loss that resulted from lump sum pension distributions. (2) Includes $1,537 and $2,865 paid from our assets for unfunded nonqualified benefits in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet for the years ended December 31 consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Current accrued benefit cost $ 1,599 $ 1,542 $ 5,634 $ 7,790 Non-current accrued benefit cost 185,211 140,981 70,303 69,565 Net amount recognized $ 186,810 $ 142,523 $ 75,937 $ 77,355
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, net of tax, consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ 170,180 $ 143,734 $ 10,983 $ 12,944 Prior service cost (gain) 716 992 (3,860 ) (5,193 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 170,896 $ 144,726 $ 7,123 $ 7,751
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year	Amounts estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit costs in 2016 , net of tax, consist of the following: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits Net actuarial loss $ 12,088 $ 481 Prior service cost (gain) 259 (1,333 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) $ 12,347 $ (852 )
Schedule of Assumptions Used	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the actuarial present value of the pension and postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31 are: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.48 % 4.08 % 4.09% 3.77% Rate of compensation increase 4.44 % 4.47 % — — Health care cost trend on covered charges — — 6.5% / 5% 7.5% / 5% Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31 were: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.08 % 4.87 % 3.95 % 3.77% 4.34% 3.51% Expected return on plan assets 6.25 % 6.25 % 6.00 % — — — Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.25 % 4.25 % — — — Health care cost trend on covered charges — — — 7% / 5% 7.5% / 5% 8% / 5%
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 included the following components: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 25,607 $ 22,205 $ 24,119 $ 2,505 $ 2,454 $ 2,644 Interest cost 25,203 26,817 23,914 2,925 3,338 2,873 Expected return on plan assets (28,297 ) (26,624 ) (23,909 ) — — — Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 20,028 17,639 26,371 1,044 1,267 1,794 Prior service cost (gain) 452 952 1,375 (2,181 ) (2,181 ) (2,181 ) Settlement loss — 789 — — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 42,993 $ 41,778 $ 51,870 $ 4,293 $ 4,878 $ 5,130
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	Estimated future defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plan payments to plan participants for the years ending December 31 are as follows: Year Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2016 $ 42,785 $ 5,748 2017 41,056 6,240 2018 42,078 6,552 2019 44,673 6,729 2020 46,845 6,909 After 2020 245,255 34,598
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the defined benefit pension plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : December 31, 2015 Investment Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities - U.S. Corporate stocks $ 18,908 $ — $ — $ 18,908 Mutual funds 24,652 9,206 — 33,858 Equity securities - International Corporate stocks 1,410 — — 1,410 Mutual funds 46,594 — — 46,594 Fixed income investments - U.S. Corporate debt 131,109 — — 131,109 U.S. government debt 42,720 — — 42,720 Mutual funds 22,393 70,949 — 93,342 Fixed income investments - International 26,044 — — 26,044 Absolute return — — 32,383 32,383 Real assets — — 13,622 13,622 Private equity — — 2,704 2,704 Short-term investments — 4,564 — 4,564 Total $ 313,830 $ 84,719 $ 48,709 $ 447,258 December 31, 2014 Investment Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Equity securities - U.S. Corporate stocks $ 17,092 $ — $ — $ 17,092 Mutual funds 18,006 8,733 — 26,739 Equity securities - International Corporate stocks 946 — — 946 Mutual funds 43,710 — — 43,710 Fixed income investments - U.S. Corporate debt 128,033 — — 128,033 U.S. government debt 52,674 — — 52,674 Mutual funds 29,799 74,525 — 104,324 Fixed income investments - International 27,784 — — 27,784 Absolute return — — 33,021 33,021 Real assets — 7,598 16,518 24,116 Private equity — — 3,682 3,682 Short-term investments — 8,044 — 8,044 Total $ 318,044 $ 98,900 $ 53,221 $ 470,165 Asset allocation information for the defined benefit pension plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Investment 2015 Actual Allocation 2015 Target Allocation Range 2014 Actual Allocation 2014 Target Allocation Range Equity securities-U.S. 12 % 3-15% 9 % 3-15% Equity securities-International 11 % 3-15% 9 % 3-15% Fixed income investments-U.S. 59 % 35-75% 61 % 35-75% Fixed income investments-International 6 % 3-10% 6 % 3-10% Absolute return 7 % 5-15% 7 % 5-15% Real assets 3 % 3-10% 5 % 3-10% Private equity 1 % 0-3% 1 % 0-3% Short-term investments 1 % 0-3% 2 % 0-3% Total 100 % 100% 100 % 100%
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets	The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the defined benefit pension plan's Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : December 31, 2015 Absolute Return Real Assets Private Equity Total Balance, beginning of year $ 33,021 $ 16,518 $ 3,682 $ 53,221 Realized gains 108 763 174 1,045 Unrealized gains (losses) 4 1,607 (92 ) 1,519 Purchases 272 — 188 460 Sales (1,022 ) (5,266 ) (1,248 ) (7,536 ) Balance, end of year $ 32,383 $ 13,622 $ 2,704 $ 48,709 December 31, 2014 Absolute Return Real Assets Private Equity Total Balance, beginning of year $ 39,448 $ 14,737 $ 3,793 $ 57,978 Realized gains 386 48 76 510 Unrealized gains 1,837 2,065 432 4,334 Purchases — 48 359 407 Sales (8,650 ) (380 ) (978 ) (10,008 ) Balance, end of year $ 33,021 $ 16,518 $ 3,682 $ 53,221

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have either initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: For the Years Ending December 31, Minimum Rental Payments 2016 $ 23,457 2017 19,678 2018 14,716 2019 10,193 2020 4,574 After 2020 3,798

Accumulated Other Comprehensi35

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31 are as follows: 2015 2014 Currency translation $ (12,416 ) $ 284 Pension liability (170,896 ) (144,726 ) Postretirement benefits liability (7,123 ) (7,751 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (190,435 ) $ (152,193 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 2014 Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total Affected Line in Consolidated Statement of Income: Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 21,072 $ (1,729 ) $ 19,343 $ 19,695 $ (1,229 ) $ 18,466 Tax (benefit) expense (8,197 ) 673 (7,524 ) (7,661 ) 478 (7,183 ) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 12,875 $ (1,056 ) $ 11,819 $ 12,034 $ (751 ) $ 11,283
Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 2014 Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total Beginning balance January 1, $ 284 $ (152,477 ) $ (152,193 ) $ 6,653 $ (147,016 ) $ (140,363 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (12,700 ) — (12,700 ) (6,369 ) — (6,369 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(7,524) and $(7,183)) — 11,819 11,819 — 11,283 11,283 Actuarial gain (loss), (net of tax $23,785 and $10,660) — (37,361 ) (37,361 ) — (16,744 ) (16,744 ) Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (12,700 ) (25,542 ) (38,242 ) (6,369 ) (5,461 ) (11,830 ) Ending balance December 31, $ (12,416 ) $ (178,019 ) $ (190,435 ) $ 284 $ (152,477 ) $ (152,193 )

Quarterly Financial Informati36

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	The following tables set forth selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 For the Quarter Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Net sales $ 1,393,778 $ 1,570,008 $ 1,583,886 $ 1,562,627 Gross margin $ 259,026 $ 293,345 $ 302,958 $ 299,416 Net income attributable to the Company $ 12,460 $ 25,088 $ 28,311 $ 25,209 Net income attributable to the Company per share of common stock (A) $ 0.76 $ 1.53 $ 1.73 $ 1.55 (A) All periods adjusted for a 2.5% stock dividend declared in December 2015 . Prior to these adjustments, the average common shares outstanding for the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2015 were 16,023,053 , 15,986,695 , 15,942,178 , and 15,927,663 , respectively. 2014 For the Quarter Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Net sales $ 1,312,800 $ 1,517,375 $ 1,569,757 $ 1,578,929 Gross margin $ 249,457 $ 281,942 $ 294,535 $ 292,613 Net income attributable to the Company $ 11,321 $ 29,044 $ 30,464 $ 16,599 Net income attributable to the Company per share of common stock (A) $ 0.69 $ 1.79 $ 1.88 $ 1.02 (A) All periods adjusted for a 2.5% stock dividend declared in December 2015 . Prior to these adjustments, the average common shares outstanding for the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2014 were 15,969,254 , 15,841,788 , 15,798,638 , and 15,802,792 , respectively.

Accounting Policies (Concentrat

Accounting Policies (Concentration Risk) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Sales revenue | Services | Maximum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Service revenue, less than	1.00%

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Outgoing freight expenses	$ 51,100	$ 49,622	$ 48,497

Cash Discounts And Doubtful A39

Cash Discounts And Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reserve for Cash Discount and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,073	$ 6,837	$ 6,868
Provision (Charged to Expense)	28,589	29,087	24,971
Deductions	(29,783)	(28,851)	(25,002)
Ending Balance	5,879	7,073	6,837
Allowance for cash discounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,764	1,560	1,411
Provision (Charged to Expense)	26,044	25,318	22,943
Deductions	(26,072)	(25,114)	(22,794)
Ending Balance	1,736	1,764	1,560
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,309	5,277	5,457
Provision (Charged to Expense)	2,545	3,769	2,028
Deductions	(3,711)	(3,737)	(2,208)
Ending Balance	$ 4,143	$ 5,309	$ 5,277

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory [Line Items]
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	93.00%	92.00%
Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value	$ 136,143	$ 139,468
Inventory Valuation Reserves	4,912	4,417
Inventory Valuation Reserve
Inventory [Line Items]
Reserves for Obsolete Inventories, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ 495	$ 670	$ 247

Property and Depreciation Sched

Property and Depreciation Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation		$ 38,588	$ 35,040	$ 32,917
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent		58	7,669
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration		7,669	740
Gain on sale of assets held for sale		$ 4,691	85
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		42 years
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment and Software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		3 years
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment and Software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful asset life		14 years
Software and Software Development Costs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment additions		$ 4,559	3,501
Assets Held under Capital Leases
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment additions		7,354	10,430
Capitalized Interest Costs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Interest costs capitalized		$ 225	$ 102	$ 182
Subsequent Event [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gain on sale of assets held for sale	$ 1,627
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets					$ 58

Goodwill and Intangible Asset42

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 6,680	$ 6,680
Goodwill Acquired	7,057	0
Ending Balance	$ 13,737	$ 6,680

Goodwill and Intangible Asset43

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 8,283
Accumulated Amortization	(522)
Total Net Carrying Amount	7,761
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	5,970
Accumulated Amortization	(393)
Total Net Carrying Amount	$ 5,577
Weighted-average useful lives (in years)	10 years 9 months 18 days
Trade name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,103
Accumulated Amortization	(99)
Total Net Carrying Amount	$ 2,004
Weighted-average useful lives (in years)	15 years
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 210
Accumulated Amortization	(30)
Total Net Carrying Amount	$ 180
Weighted-average useful lives (in years)	5 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset44

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 522
2,016	738
2,017	738
2,018	738
2,019	738
2,020	708
After 2,020	4,101
Total Net Carrying Amount	$ 7,761

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 2,247	$ 3,104	$ 3,419
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1:	3,104	3,419	3,530
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	464	490	516
Additions based on tax positions of prior years	0	0	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(252)	(477)	(567)
Settlements	(1,069)	(328)	(60)
Balance at December 31:	2,247	3,104	$ 3,419
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 907	$ 1,065
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Statutory federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	3.80%	3.50%	3.60%
Other, net	1.20%	1.80%	1.20%
Effective tax rate	40.00%	40.30%	39.80%
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Income before Income Taxes, Domestic	$ 143,144	$ 136,656	$ 127,858
Income before Income Taxes, Foreign	9,197	10,155	7,093
Income before provision for income taxes	152,341	146,811	134,951
Provisions for Income Taxes Recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
U.S. Federal, current expense	46,174	44,713	47,790
State, current expense	7,996	7,266	7,066
Foreign, current expense	2,666	3,058	2,217
Total current expense	56,836	55,037	57,073
U.S. Federal, deferred expense	3,224	4,049	(2,983)
State, deferred expense	958	47	(458)
Foreign, deferred expense	(9)	(8)	45
Total deferred expense (benefit)	4,173	4,088	(3,396)
Total income tax provision	61,009	59,125	$ 53,677
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits	29,184	29,736
Payroll accruals	2,995	2,912
Bad debt reserves	1,653	2,106
Other deferred tax assets	9,438	8,623
Pension	60,645	42,836
Inventory	7,173	3,351
Subtotal	111,088	89,564
less: valuation allowances	(402)	(393)
Deferred tax assets	110,686	89,171
Fixed assets	(40,086)	(33,857)
Computer software	(6,412)	(3,904)
Other deferred tax liabilities	(2,438)	(1,974)
Deferred tax liabilities	(48,936)	(39,735)
Net deferred tax assets	61,750	49,436
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets, included in other non-current assets	62,047	49,801
Deferred tax liabilities included in other non-current liabilities	(297)	(365)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Components [Abstract]
Foreign net operating losses	349	363
State net operating losses	563	759
Undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries	$ 72,488	66,297
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Non-current tax assets reclassified from current		(2,777)
Current deferred tax assets reclassified to non-current		2,777
Non-current tax liabilities reclassified from current		(365)
Current deferred tax liabilities reclassified to non-current		$ 365

Income Taxes Income Tax Examina

Income Taxes Income Tax Examination (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Domestic Tax Authority | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Settled assessments	$ 907

Capital Stock Par Value of Stoc

Capital Stock Par Value of Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 10, 2004
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Percent of Entity Owned by Current and Retired Employees	100.00%
Common stock stated value per share (USD per share)	$ 20	$ 20
Common stock, subscriptions ( in shares)	878,608
Common shares subscribed (in dollars)	$ 17,572
Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract]
Shares of common stock purchased	718,269	752,983	638,647
Shares of common stock retired	666,861	780,077	681,637
Preferred stock shares authorized				10,000,000
Preferred stock par or stated value per share (USD per share)				$ 0.01
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock dividend declared, percent	2.50%	0.00%	2.50%
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage Ownership in Voting Trust	83.00%

Net Income Per Share of Commo48

Net Income Per Share of Common Stock (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Common stock dividend declared, percent									2.50%	0.00%	2.50%
Average shares outstanding	15,927,663	15,942,178	15,986,695	16,023,053	15,802,792	15,798,638	15,841,788	15,969,254	16,364,441	16,243,882	16,334,145

Debt Long-Term Debt (Details)

Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	$ 16,830	$ 17,836
Less current portion	(6,558)	(6,241)
Long-term Debt	10,272	11,595
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	6,558
2,017	3,824
2,018	1,357
2,019	745
2,020	642
After 2,020	$ 3,704
1.85% Note | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.85%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	$ 798
Total Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	$ 1,586	4,714
1.43% Note | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.43%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	$ 134
Total Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	267	794
2.01% to 30.63% capital leases, secured by equipment, various maturities | Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	$ 14,977	$ 12,328

Credit Agreement (Details)

Credit Agreement (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 06, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fixed rate debt carrying amount in excess of fair value		$ 1,243,000	$ 1,331,000
Remaining borrowing capacity		$ 445,022,000	$ 483,658,000
Credit agreement commitment fee percentage		0.40%	0.40%
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Minimum | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Maximum | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.60%
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 550,000,000
Accordion feature, higher borrowing capacity option	$ 300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis	base rate loans
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis	Eurodollar rate
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.00%
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement commitment fee percentage	0.40%
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.60%
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit Sub-Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 50,000,000
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Bridge Loan | Graybar Canada
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Bridge Loan | UNITED STATES
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Bridge Loan | CANADA
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 20,000,000
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement commitment fee percentage	1.00%
Line of credit | Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement commitment fee percentage	1.60%
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding		$ 4,994,000	$ 5,725,000
Letter of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding		$ 0	$ 0

Debt Short-Term Borrowings (Det

Debt Short-Term Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$ 104,978	$ 66,342
Short-term debt average amount outstanding	$ 119,000	67,000
Weighted average interest rate	1.40%
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$ 104,978	$ 66,342
Interest rate during the period	1.31%	1.52%
Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$ 35,981	$ 25,550
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$ 184,188	$ 111,912

Debt Private Placement Shelf Ag

Debt Private Placement Shelf Agreement (Details) - Maximum - Senior Notes - Private Placement Shelf Agreement $ in Thousands	Sep. 22, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Agreement face amount	$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Term	12 years

Pension and Other Postretirem53

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Benefit Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 470,165
Balance, end of year	447,258	$ 470,165
Paid from Company assets for unfunded nonqualified benefits	1,537	2,865
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	612,688	558,650
Service cost	25,607	22,205	$ 24,119
Interest cost	25,203	26,817	23,914
Actuarial loss (gain)	21,731	56,333
Benefits paid from plan assets	(48,471)	(47,420)
Benefits paid from Company assets	(1,537)	(1,392)
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Administrative expenses paid	(1,153)	(1,032)
Settlements	0	(1,473)
Benefit obligation, end of period	634,068	612,688	558,650
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	470,165	423,167
Actual return on plan assets	(13,283)	55,450
Employer contributions	41,537	42,865
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(50,008)	(48,812)
Administrative expenses paid	(1,153)	(1,032)
Settlements	0	(1,473)
Balance, end of year	447,258	470,165	423,167
Unfunded status	186,810	142,523
Accumulated benefit obligation	551,662	517,857
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities [Abstract]
Current accrued benefit cost	1,599	1,542
Non-current accrued benefit cost	185,211	140,981
Net amount recognized	186,810	142,523
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	170,180	143,734
Prior service cost (gain)	716	992
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	170,896	$ 144,726
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	12,088
Prior service cost (gain)	259
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	$ 12,347
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.48%	4.08%
Rate of compensation increase	4.44%	4.47%
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of period	$ 77,355	$ 76,134
Service cost	2,505	2,454	2,644
Interest cost	2,925	3,338	2,873
Actuarial loss (gain)	(2,165)	(102)
Benefits paid from plan assets	0	0
Benefits paid from Company assets	(6,131)	(6,057)
Plan participants' contributions	1,448	1,588
Administrative expenses paid	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of period	75,937	77,355	76,134
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	4,683	4,469
Plan participants' contributions	1,448	1,588
Benefits paid	(6,131)	(6,057)
Administrative expenses paid	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Balance, end of year	0	0	$ 0
Unfunded status	75,937	77,355
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities [Abstract]
Current accrued benefit cost	5,634	7,790
Non-current accrued benefit cost	70,303	69,565
Net amount recognized	75,937	77,355
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	10,983	12,944
Prior service cost (gain)	(3,860)	(5,193)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	7,123	$ 7,751
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	481
Prior service cost (gain)	(1,333)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	$ (852)
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.09%	3.77%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%
Health care cost trend rate, actuarial present value	6.50%	7.50%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate, actuarial present value	5.00%	5.00%
Health care cost trend rate, net periodic benefit cost	7.00%	7.50%	8.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate, net periodic benefit cost	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2,019

Pension and Other Postretirem54

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next fiscal year	7.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	5.00%
Estimated nonqualified benefits in next fiscal year	$ 1,635
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	$ 40,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 470,165
Balance, end of year	$ 447,258	$ 470,165
Equity Securities US
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	12.00%	9.00%
Target allocation range, minimum	3.00%	3.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	15.00%	15.00%
Corporate stocks
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 17,092
Balance, end of year	18,908	$ 17,092
Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	26,739
Balance, end of year	$ 33,858	$ 26,739
Equity Securities International
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	11.00%	9.00%
Target allocation range, minimum	3.00%	3.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	15.00%	15.00%
Corporate stocks
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 946
Balance, end of year	1,410	$ 946
Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	43,710
Balance, end of year	$ 46,594	$ 43,710
Fixed Income Investments US
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	59.00%	61.00%
Target allocation range, minimum	35.00%	35.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	75.00%	75.00%
Corporate debt
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 128,033
Balance, end of year	131,109	$ 128,033
US government debt
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	52,674
Balance, end of year	42,720	52,674
Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	104,324
Balance, end of year	$ 93,342	$ 104,324
Fixed Income Investments, Foreign [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	6.00%	6.00%
Target allocation range, minimum	3.00%	3.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	10.00%	10.00%
Foreign Corporate Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 27,784
Balance, end of year	$ 26,044	$ 27,784
Absolute Return
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	7.00%	7.00%
Target allocation range, minimum	5.00%	5.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	15.00%	15.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 33,021
Balance, end of year	$ 32,383	$ 33,021
Real assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	3.00%	5.00%
Target allocation range, minimum	3.00%	3.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	10.00%	10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 24,116
Balance, end of year	$ 13,622	$ 24,116
Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	1.00%	1.00%
Target allocation range, minimum	0.00%	0.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	3.00%	3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 3,682
Balance, end of year	$ 2,704	$ 3,682
Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Actual Allocation	1.00%	2.00%
Target allocation range, minimum	0.00%	0.00%
Target allocation range, maximum	3.00%	3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 8,044
Balance, end of year	4,564	$ 8,044
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	318,044
Balance, end of year	313,830	318,044
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Corporate stocks
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	17,092
Balance, end of year	18,908	17,092
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	18,006
Balance, end of year	24,652	18,006
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Corporate stocks
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	946
Balance, end of year	1,410	946
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	43,710
Balance, end of year	46,594	43,710
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Corporate debt
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	128,033
Balance, end of year	131,109	128,033
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | US government debt
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	52,674
Balance, end of year	42,720	52,674
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	29,799
Balance, end of year	22,393	29,799
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Foreign Corporate Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	27,784
Balance, end of year	26,044	27,784
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Absolute Return
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Real assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Inputs (Level 1) | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	98,900
Balance, end of year	84,719	98,900
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate stocks
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	8,733
Balance, end of year	9,206	8,733
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate stocks
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate debt
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | US government debt
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	74,525
Balance, end of year	70,949	74,525
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign Corporate Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Absolute Return
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Real assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	7,598
Balance, end of year	0	7,598
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	8,044
Balance, end of year	4,564	8,044
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	53,221
Balance, end of year	48,709	53,221
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate stocks
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate stocks
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate debt
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | US government debt
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign Corporate Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Absolute Return
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	33,021
Balance, end of year	32,383	33,021
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Real assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	16,518
Balance, end of year	13,622	16,518
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	3,682
Balance, end of year	2,704	3,682
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0
Balance, end of year	0	0
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	25,607	22,205	$ 24,119
Interest cost	25,203	26,817	23,914
Expected return on plan assets	(28,297)	(26,624)	(23,909)
Net actuarial loss	20,028	17,639	26,371
Prior service cost (gain)	452	952	1,375
Settlement loss	0	789	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 42,993	$ 41,778	$ 51,870
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.08%	4.87%	3.95%
Expected return on plan assets	6.25%	6.25%	6.00%
Rate of compensation increase	4.47%	4.25%	4.25%
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	$ 42,785
2,017	41,056
2,018	42,078
2,019	44,673
2,020	46,845
After 2,020	245,255
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	470,165	$ 423,167
Realized gains	(13,283)	55,450
Balance, end of year	447,258	470,165	$ 423,167
Pension Benefits | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	53,221	57,978
Realized gains	1,045	510
Unrealized gains/(losses)	1,519	4,334
Purchases	460	407
Sales	(7,536)	(10,008)
Balance, end of year	48,709	53,221	57,978
Pension Benefits | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Absolute Return
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	33,021	39,448
Realized gains	108	386
Unrealized gains/(losses)	4	1,837
Purchases	272	0
Sales	(1,022)	(8,650)
Balance, end of year	32,383	33,021	39,448
Pension Benefits | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Real assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	16,518	14,737
Realized gains	763	48
Unrealized gains/(losses)	1,607	2,065
Purchases	0	48
Sales	(5,266)	(380)
Balance, end of year	13,622	16,518	14,737
Pension Benefits | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	3,682	3,793
Realized gains	174	76
Unrealized gains/(losses)	(92)	432
Purchases	188	359
Sales	(1,248)	(978)
Balance, end of year	2,704	3,682	3,793
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	2,505	2,454	2,644
Interest cost	2,925	3,338	2,873
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Net actuarial loss	1,044	1,267	1,794
Prior service cost (gain)	(2,181)	(2,181)	(2,181)
Settlement loss	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 4,293	$ 4,878	$ 5,130
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.77%	4.34%	3.51%
Expected return on plan assets	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next fiscal year	6.50%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	5.00%
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2,019
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	$ 5,748
2,017	6,240
2,018	6,552
2,019	6,729
2,020	6,909
After 2,020	34,598
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	0	$ 0
Realized gains	0	0
Balance, end of year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Profit Sharing and Savings Pl55

Profit Sharing and Savings Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Profit Sharing and Savings Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Profit Sharing Costs	$ 40,020	$ 56,709	$ 34,132

Commitments and Contingencies56

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 22,685	$ 21,891	$ 21,134
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	23,457
2,017	19,678
2,018	14,716
2,019	10,193
2,020	4,574
After 2,020	$ 3,798

Accumulated Other Comprehensi57

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$ (190,435)	$ (152,193)	$ (140,363)
Currency translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(12,416)	284	6,653
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(178,019)	(152,477)	$ (147,016)
Pension Liability | Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(170,896)	(144,726)
Postretirement Benefits | Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$ (7,123)	$ (7,751)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi58

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 965,134	$ 935,132	$ 873,415
Tax (benefit) expense	61,009	59,125	53,677
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	(91,332)	(87,686)	$ (81,274)
Reclassification out of AOCI
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	19,343	18,466
Tax (benefit) expense	(7,524)	(7,183)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	11,819	11,283
Reclassification out of AOCI | Actuarial Losses Recognized
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	21,072	19,695
Tax (benefit) expense	(8,197)	(7,661)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	12,875	12,034
Reclassification out of AOCI | Prior Service Costs Recognized
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(1,729)	(1,229)
Tax (benefit) expense	673	478
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$ (1,056)	$ (751)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi59

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance January 1,	$ (152,193)	$ (140,363)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(12,700)	(6,369)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(7,524) and $(7,183))	11,819	11,283
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	(7,524)	(7,183)
Actuarial gain (loss), (net of tax $23,785 and $10,660)	(37,361)	(16,744)
Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	23,785	10,660
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(38,242)	(11,830)
Ending Balance December 31,	(190,435)	(152,193)
Foreign Currency
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance January 1,	284	6,653
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(12,700)	(6,369)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(7,524) and $(7,183))	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss), (net of tax $23,785 and $10,660)	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(12,700)	(6,369)
Ending Balance December 31,	(12,416)	284
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance January 1,	(152,477)	(147,016)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(7,524) and $(7,183))	11,819	11,283
Actuarial gain (loss), (net of tax $23,785 and $10,660)	(37,361)	(16,744)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(25,542)	(5,461)
Ending Balance December 31,	$ (178,019)	$ (152,477)

Acquisition Acquisition (Detail

Acquisition Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired		$ 18,093	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill		$ 13,737	$ 6,680	$ 6,680
Advantage Industrial Automation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	$ 18,093
Goodwill	7,057
Other Intangible Assets	$ 8,283

Quarterly Financial Informati61

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,562,627	$ 1,583,886	$ 1,570,008	$ 1,393,778	$ 1,578,929	$ 1,569,757	$ 1,517,375	$ 1,312,800	$ 6,110,299		$ 5,978,861		$ 5,659,141
Gross margin	299,416	302,958	293,345	259,026	292,613	294,535	281,942	249,457	1,154,745		1,118,547		1,044,156
Net income attributable to the Company	$ 25,209	$ 28,311	$ 25,088	$ 12,460	$ 16,599	$ 30,464	$ 29,044	$ 11,321	$ 91,068		$ 87,428		$ 81,063
Net income attributable to the Company per share of common stock (usd per share)	$ 1.55	$ 1.73	$ 1.53	$ 0.76	$ 1.02	$ 1.88	$ 1.79	$ 0.69	$ 5.57	[1]	$ 5.38	[1]	$ 4.96	[1]
Common stock dividend declared, percent									2.50%		0.00%		2.50%
Average common shares outstanding by quarter	15,927,663	15,942,178	15,986,695	16,023,053	15,802,792	15,798,638	15,841,788	15,969,254	16,364,441		16,243,882		16,334,145
[1]	(A)Adjusted for the declaration of a 2.5% stock dividend in December 2015, shares related to which were issued in February 2016. Prior to the adjustment, the average common shares outstanding were 15,848 and 15,936 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.