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Document and Entity Information Document - shares	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information Document - shares	Mar. 31, 2012	May 01, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	WESCO INTERNATIONAL INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000929008
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		43,583,551

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 63,641	$ 63,869
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $21,347 and $21,590 in 2012 and 2011, respectively	1,006,398	939,422
Other accounts receivable	25,634	43,442
Inventories, net	634,659	626,967
Current deferred income taxes	29,509	28,217
Income taxes receivable	11,885	12,206
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	22,680	23,297
Total current assets	1,794,406	1,737,420
Property, buildings and equipment, net	134,455	133,550
Intangible assets, net	154,130	156,874
Goodwill	1,022,726	1,008,127
Deferred income taxes	17,412	18,090
Other assets	24,072	24,391
Total assets	3,147,201	3,078,452
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	699,296	642,777
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	51,793	76,915
Short-term debt	12,734	3,261
Current portion of long-term debt	2,482	3,150
Bank overdrafts	45,502	47,489
Other current liabilities	66,364	72,254
Total current liabilities	878,171	845,846
Long-term debt, net of discount of $175,200 and $175,908 in 2012 and 2011, respectively	603,328	642,922
Deferred income taxes	230,167	223,005
Other noncurrent liabilities	24,356	20,769
Total liabilities	1,736,022	1,732,542
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Additional capital	1,042,620	1,036,867
Retained earnings	944,767	891,789
Treasury stock, at cost; 17,977,591 and 17,936,923 shares in 2012 and 2011, respectively	(595,944)	(593,329)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	19,247	10,057
Total WESCO International stockholders' equity	1,411,305	1,345,998
Noncontrolling interest	(126)	(88)
Stockholders' equity	1,411,179	1,345,910
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,147,201	3,078,452
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock	572	571
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock	$ 43	$ 43

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PARENTHETICAL (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 21,347	$ 21,590
Debt discount	$ 175,200	$ 175,908
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	17,977,591	17,936,923
Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	210,000,000	210,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	57,167,892	57,021,523
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	43,529,732	43,424,031
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	4,339,431	4,339,431
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net sales	$ 1,606,018	$ 1,431,305
Cost of goods sold	1,286,268	1,145,255
Selling, general and administrative expenses	228,139	213,759
Depreciation and amortization	8,079	7,546
Income from operations	83,532	64,745
Interest expense, net	8,962	12,641
Income before income taxes	74,570	52,104
Provision for income taxes	21,630	14,799
Net income	52,940	37,305
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(38)	0
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	52,978	37,305
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,190	7,986
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$ 62,168	$ 45,291
Earnings per share attributable to WESCO International, Inc.
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.22	$ 0.87
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.03	$ 0.74

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 52,940	$ 37,305
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,079	7,546
Amortization of debt issuance costs	633	655
Amortization of debt discount	696	606
Deferred income taxes	7,245	(80)
Stock-based compensation expense	3,803	4,979
Loss on sale of property, buildings and equipment	173	29
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(1,880)	(1,017)
Interest related to uncertain tax positions	(3,214)	127
Changes in assets and liabilities
Trade and other receivables, net	(38,214)	(69,711)
Inventories, net	1,986	(38,666)
Prepaid expense and other current assets	5,159	2,859
Accounts payable	50,330	107,397
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	(25,890)	(16,682)
Other current and noncurrent liabilities	(3,507)	(3,566)
Net cash provided by operating activities	58,339	31,781
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(4,509)	(5,559)
Acquisition payments, net of cash acquired	(21,980)	(7,798)
Proceeds from sale of assets	11	42
Net cash used in investing activities	(26,478)	(13,315)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Issuance of long-term debt	153,753	118,146
Repayments of long-term debt	(185,605)	(140,258)
Debt issuance costs	(106)	(195)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	132	211
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	1,880	1,017
Repurchase of common stock	(2,617)	(1,239)
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts	(1,987)	1,660
Payments on capital lease obligations	(439)	(359)
Net cash used in financing activities	(34,989)	(21,017)
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	2,900	1,406
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(228)	(1,145)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	63,869	53,577
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	63,641	52,432
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Property, buildings and equipment acquired through capital leases	473	130
Issuance of treasury stock	$ 0	$ 960

ORGANIZATION	3 Months Ended
ORGANIZATION	Mar. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION	ORGANIZATION WESCO International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “WESCO”), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a full-line distributor of electrical, industrial and communications maintenance, repair and operating (“MRO”) and original equipment manufactures (“OEM”) products, construction materials, and advanced supply chain management and logistics services used primarily in the industrial, construction, utility and commercial, institutional and government markets. We serve over 65,000 active customers globally, through approximately 400 full service branches and eight distribution centers located primarily in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with offices in 11 additional countries.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Mar. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of WESCO have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in WESCO’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. The December 31, 2011 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2012, the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in the opinion of management, have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the results of the interim periods. All adjustments reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are of a normal recurring nature unless indicated. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Reclassification Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's financial statement presentation. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the guidance of ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. At March 31, 2012, the par value of WESCO’s fixed rate long-term debt was $494.9 million and the fair value was approximately $983.5 million. At December 31, 2011, the par value of WESCO’s fixed rate long-term debt was $495.0 million and the fair value was approximately $850.9 million. The fair value of WESCO’s fixed rate long-term debt is based on quoted prices in active markets and is therefore classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy. The reported carrying amounts of WESCO’s other debt instruments approximate their fair values and are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) or other authoritative accounting standards groups with future effective dates are either not applicable or are not expected to be significant to WESCO’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

WESCO’s stock-based employee compensation plans are comprised of stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance-based awards. Compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at fair value on the date of grant, and compensation cost is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of stock options and stock-settled appreciation rights is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of restricted stock units is determined by the grant-date closing price of WESCO’s common stock. The forfeiture assumption is based on WESCO’s historical employee behavior that is reviewed on an annual basis. No dividends are assumed.

During the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, WESCO granted the following stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance-based awards at the following weighted average assumptions:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Stock-settled appreciation rights granted	249,582		379,757
Restricted stock units granted	72,324		53,852
Performance-based awards granted	46,804		—
Risk free interest rate	0.9	%	2.4	%
Expected life (in years)	5.0		5.0
Expected volatility	50	%	49	%

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the weighted average fair value per stock-settled appreciation right granted was $27.98 and $26.90, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the weighted average fair value per restricted stock unit granted was $64.33 and $60.05, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the weighted average fair value per performance-based award granted was $75.72.

The following table sets forth a summary of stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights and related information for the three months ended March 31, 2012:



	Awards		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	4,266,533		$	39.64
Granted	249,582		64.33
Exercised	(303,114	)	33.69
Forfeited	(5,000	)	69.00
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	4,208,001		41.50		6.1	$	92,601
Exercisable at March 31, 2012	2,996,413		$	40.60	5.2	$	69,000

The following table sets forth a summary of restricted stock units and related information for the three months ended March 31, 2012:



	Awards	Weighted Average Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2011	203,291	$	37.16
Granted	72,324	64.33
Vested	—	—
Forfeited	—	—
Unvested at March 31, 2012	275,615	$	44.29

Performance shares are awards for which the vesting will occur based on market or performance conditions. The following table sets forth a summary of performance-based awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012:



	Awards	Weighted Average Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2011	—	—
Granted	46,804	$	75.72
Vested	—	—
Forfeited	—	—
Unvested at March 31, 2012	46,804	$	75.72

The performance-based awards in the table above include 23,402 shares in which vesting of the ultimate number of shares underlying such awards will be dependent upon WESCO's total stockholder return in relation to the total stockholder return of a select group of peer companies over a three-year period. These awards are valued based upon a Monte Carlo simulation model, which is a valuation model that represents the characteristics of these grants. The probability of meeting the market criteria was considered when calculating the estimated fair market value on the date of grant. These awards were accounted for as awards with market conditions, which are recognized over the service period, regardless of whether the market conditions are achieved and the awards ultimately vest.

The fair value of the performance shares granted during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:



Weighted Average Assumptions
Grant date share price	$	64.33
WESCO expected volatility	41.97		%
Peer group median volatility	33.40		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.40		%
Correlation	135.4		%

Vesting of the remaining 23,402 shares of performance-based awards in the table above will be dependent upon the three-year average growth rate of WESCO's net income. These award are valued based upon the grant-date closing price of WESCO’s common stock. These awards were accounted for as awards with performance conditions, in which stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the performance period based upon WESCO's determination of whether it is probable that the performance targets will be achieved.

WESCO recognized $3.8 million and $5.0 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, there was $27.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements for all awards previously made, of which approximately $11.1 million is expected to be recognized over the remainder of 2012, $10.9 million in 2013, $5.3 million in 2014 and $0.6 million in 2015.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the total intrinsic value of awards exercised was $8.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively, and the total amount of cash received from the exercise of options was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The tax benefit associated with the exercise of awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $1.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and was recorded as an increase to additional capital.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the periods. The dilutive effect of common share equivalents is considered in the diluted earnings per share computation using the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of stock-based compensation and convertible debt.

The following table sets forth the details of basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2012		2011
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	52,978	$	37,305
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic earnings per share	43,476,818		43,060,351
Common shares issuable upon exercise of dilutive stock options	1,340,886		1,417,346
Common shares issuable from contingently convertible debentures (see below for basis of calculation)	6,467,623		5,955,068
Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents used in computing diluted earnings per share	51,285,327		50,432,765
Earnings per share attributable to WESCO International, Inc.
Basic	$	1.22	$	0.87
Diluted	$	1.03	$	0.74

For the three months ended months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the computation of diluted earnings per share attributable to WESCO International, Inc. excluded 1.0 million and 1.2 million, respectively, of stock-settled stock appreciation rights at weighted average exercise prices of $64 per share and $63 per share, respectively. These amounts were excluded because their effect would have been antidilutive.

Because of WESCO’s obligation to settle the par value of the 6.0% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2029 (the “2029 Debentures”) and the previously outstanding 1.75% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2026 (the “2026 Debentures”) and 2.625% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2025 (the “2025 Debentures” and together with the 2026 Debentures and 2029 Debentures, the “Debentures”) in cash upon conversion, WESCO is not required to include any shares underlying the Debentures in its diluted weighted average shares outstanding until the average stock price per share for the period exceeds the conversion price of the respective Debentures. At such time, only the number of shares that would be issuable (under the treasury stock method of accounting for share dilution) would be included, which is based upon the amount by which the average stock price exceeds the conversion price. The conversion price of the 2029 Debentures is $28.87. Share dilution is limited to a maximum of 11,949,791 shares for the 2029 Debentures. For the period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the effect of the Debentures on diluted earnings per share attributable to WESCO International, Inc. was a decrease of $0.15 and $0.10, respectively.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	3 Months Ended
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	Mar. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS A majority of WESCO’s employees are covered by defined contribution retirement savings plans for their services rendered subsequent to WESCO’s formation. WESCO also offers a deferred compensation plan for select individuals. For U.S. participants, WESCO will make contributions in an amount equal to 50% of the participant’s total monthly contributions up to a maximum of 6% of eligible compensation. For Canadian participants, WESCO will make contributions in an amount ranging from 1% to 7% of the participant’s eligible compensation based on years of continuous service. In addition, employer contributions may be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, WESCO incurred charges of $9.0 million and $7.8 million, respectively, for all such plans. Contributions are made in cash to defined contribution retirement savings plans. The deferred compensation plan is an unfunded plan. Employees have the option to transfer balances allocated to their accounts into any of the available investment options, including WESCO common stock.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Mar. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES WESCO is a co-defendant in a lawsuit filed in a state court in Indiana in which a customer alleges that WESCO sold defective products manufactured or remanufactured by others and is seeking monetary damages in the amount of approximately $50 million. WESCO has denied any liability, continues to believe that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations. Accordingly, no liability was recorded for this matter as of March 31, 2012. Furthermore, due to the uncertainty of this litigation, WESCO is not currently able to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss from this legal proceeding.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Mar. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was 29.0% and 28.4% respectively. WESCO’s effective tax rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to benefits resulting from the recapitalization of Canadian operations, which are partially offset by nondeductible expenses, state taxes and foreign rate differences. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 reflects discrete adjustments totaling $2.0 million, primarily related to changes in uncertain tax positions and changes in state taxes. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 included beneficial discrete adjustments totaling $1.0 million primarily related to state taxes and adjustments for uncertain tax positions. The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits was $20.1 million and $20.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. A corresponding deferred tax asset in the amount of $23.1 million excluding interest was recorded in 2011. If these tax benefits were recognized in the consolidated financial statements, the portion of these amounts that would reduce WESCO’s effective tax rate would be $19.8 million and $19.7 million, respectively. This amount would be offset by the corresponding deferred tax asset discussed above. During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by as much as $15.5 million (all of which will be offset by the reversal of a deferred tax asset) due to possible resolution of federal, state and/or foreign tax examinations and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations. Management does not expect this decrease to have an impact on the effective tax rate. WESCO records interest related to uncertain tax positions as a part of interest expense in the consolidated statement of income. Penalties are recognized as part of income tax expense. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, WESCO had an accrued liability for interest related to uncertain tax positions of $8.2 million and $11.4 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, accrued interest and net interest expense decreased by $3.2 million as a result of a favorable Internal Revenue Service appeals settlement related to the years 2000 to 2006. There were no penalties recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2012 or 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

WESCO Distribution, Inc. ("WESCO Distribution"), a 100% owned subsidiary of WESCO International, Inc. ("WESCO International"), has outstanding $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the "2017 Notes"), and WESCO International has outstanding $344.9 million in aggregate principal amount of 2029 Debentures. The 2017 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by WESCO International on a subordinated basis to all existing and future senior indebtedness of WESCO International. The 2029 Debentures are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by WESCO Distribution on a senior subordinated basis to all existing and future senior indebtedness of WESCO Distribution.

Condensed consolidating financial information for WESCO International, WESCO Distribution, Inc. and the non-guarantor subsidiaries is as follows:

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)



	March 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.		WESCO Distribution, Inc.			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating and Eliminating Entries			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5	$	46,605		$	17,031	$	—		$	63,641
Trade accounts receivable, net	—		—			1,006,398		—			1,006,398
Inventories, net	—		332,900			301,759		—			634,659
Other current assets	270		20,063			69,375		—			89,708
Total current assets	275		399,568			1,394,563		—			1,794,406
Intercompany receivables, net	—		—			1,821,436		(1,821,436		)	—
Property, buildings and equipment, net	—		54,117			80,338		—			134,455
Intangible assets, net	—		6,774			147,356		—			154,130
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	—		246,125			776,601		—			1,022,726
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	2,287,076		3,469,046			30,962		(5,745,600		)	41,484
Total assets	$	2,287,351	$	4,175,630		$	4,251,256	$	(7,567,036	)	$	3,147,201
Accounts payable	$	—	$	444,332		$	254,964	$	—		$	699,296
Other current liabilities	2,571		(25,929		)	202,233		—			178,875
Total current liabilities	2,571		418,403			457,197		—			878,171
Intercompany payables, net	675,609		1,145,827			—		(1,821,436		)	—
Long-term debt	169,738		157,826			275,764		—			603,328
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,129		171,395			54,999		—			254,523
Stockholders’ equity	1,411,304		2,282,179			3,463,296		(5,745,600		)	1,411,179
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,287,351	$	4,175,630		$	4,251,256	$	(7,567,036	)	$	3,147,201



	December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.		WESCO Distribution, Inc.			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating and Eliminating Entries			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5	$	44,412		$	19,452	$	—		$	63,869
Trade accounts receivable, net	—		—			939,422		—			939,422
Inventories, net	—		341,423		—	285,544		—			626,967
Other current assets	270		32,548			74,344		—			107,162
Total current assets	275		418,383			1,318,762		—			1,737,420
Intercompany receivables, net	—		—			1,881,208		(1,881,208		)	—
Property, buildings and equipment, net	—		54,038			79,512		—			133,550
Intangible assets, net	—		6,981			149,893		—			156,874
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	—		246,125			762,002		—			1,008,127
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	2,219,142		3,412,735			31,745		(5,621,141		)	42,481
Total assets	$	2,219,417	$	4,138,262		$	4,223,122	$	(7,502,349	)	$	3,078,452
Accounts payable	$	—	$	423,509		$	219,268	$	—		$	642,777
Other current liabilities	7,797		6,510			188,762		—			203,069
Total current liabilities	7,797		430,019			408,030		—			845,846
Intercompany payables, net	668,447		1,142,761			—		(1,811,208		)	—
Long-term debt	169,054		188,081			285,787		—			642,922
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,131		163,177			52,466		—			243,774
Stockholders’ equity	1,345,988		2,214,224			3,406,839		(5,621,141		)	1,345,910
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,219,417	$	4,138,262		$	4,153,122	$	(7,432,349	)	$	3,078,452

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.		WESCO Distribution, Inc.		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Entries			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—	$	853,843	$	787,401		$	(35,226	)	$	1,606,018
Cost of goods sold	—		682,843		638,651			(35,226		)	1,286,268
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17		145,856		82,266			—			228,139
Depreciation and amortization	—		3,472		4,607			—			8,079
Results of affiliates’ operations	58,767		56,433		—			(115,200		)	—
Interest expense, net	5,810		485		2,667			—			8,962
Provision for income taxes	—		18,853		2,777			—			21,630
Net income (loss)	52,940		58,767		56,433			(115,200		)	52,940
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—		(38		)	—			(38		)
Net income (loss) attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	52,940	$	58,767	$	56,471		$	(115,200	)	$	52,978
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,190		9,190		9,190			(18,380		)	9,190
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	62,130	$	67,957	$	65,661		$	(133,580	)	$	62,168



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.		WESCO Distribution, Inc.		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating and Eliminating Entries			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—	$	739,274	$	710,564	$	(18,533	)	$	1,431,305
Cost of goods sold	—		591,846		571,942		(18,533		)	1,145,255
Selling, general and administrative expenses	38		136,540		77,181		—			213,759
Depreciation and amortization	—		2,675		4,871		—			7,546
Results of affiliates’ operations	43,197		48,023		—		(91,220		)	—
Interest expense, net	5,854		3,708		3,079		—			12,641
Provision for income taxes	—		9,331		5,468		—			14,799
Net income (loss) attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	37,305	$	43,197	$	48,023	$	(91,220	)	$	37,305
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	7,986		7,986		7,986		(15,972		)	7,986
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	45,291	$	51,183	$	56,009	$	(107,192	)	$	45,291

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.			WESCO Distribution, Inc.			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Entries		Consolidated
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	$	(6,557	)	$	70,067		$	(5,171	)	$	—	$	58,339
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(4,359		)	(150		)	—		(4,509		)
Acquisition payments	—			(21,980		)	—			—		(21,980		)
Other	—			11			—			—		11
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(26,328		)	(150		)	—		(26,478		)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments)	7,162			(39,453		)	—			—		(32,291		)
Equity transactions	(605		)	—			—			—		(605		)
Other	—			(2,093		)	—			—		(2,093		)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	6,557			(41,546		)	—			—		(34,989		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			2,900			—		2,900
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			2,193			(2,421		)	—		(228		)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year	5			44,412			19,452			—		63,869
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	$	5		$	46,605		$	17,031		$	—	$	63,641



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.			WESCO Distribution, Inc.			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Entries		Consolidated
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	$	29,668		$	(3,518	)	$	5,631		$	—	$	31,781
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(4,974		)	(585		)	—		(5,559		)
Acquisition payments	—			(7,798		)	—			—		(7,798		)
Other	—			42			—			—		42
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(12,730		)	(585		)	—		(13,315		)
Financing activities:
Net (repayments) borrowings	(29,658		)	7,187			—			—		(22,471		)
Equity transactions	(11		)	—			—			—		(11		)
Other	—			1,465			—			—		1,465
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities	(29,669		)	8,652			—			—		(21,017		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			1,406			—		1,406
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(1		)	(7,596		)	6,452			—		(1,145		)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year	1			32,342			21,234			—		53,577
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	$	—		$	24,746		$	27,686		$	—	$	52,432

ACCOUNTING POLICIES ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of WESCO have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in WESCO’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. The December 31, 2011 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2012, the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in the opinion of management, have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the results of the interim periods. All adjustments reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are of a normal recurring nature unless indicated. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Reclassification	Reclassification Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's financial statement presentation.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the guidance of ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. At March 31, 2012, the par value of WESCO’s fixed rate long-term debt was $494.9 million and the fair value was approximately $983.5 million. At December 31, 2011, the par value of WESCO’s fixed rate long-term debt was $495.0 million and the fair value was approximately $850.9 million. The fair value of WESCO’s fixed rate long-term debt is based on quoted prices in active markets and is therefore classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy. The reported carrying amounts of WESCO’s other debt instruments approximate their fair values and are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a(2)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 96-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 97-2
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 3A
-Section 02, 03

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph k
-Article 1

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 40
-Section 45
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+ Details

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
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+ Details

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Stock-settled appreciation rights granted	249,582		379,757
Restricted stock units granted	72,324		53,852
Performance-based awards granted	46,804		—
Risk free interest rate	0.9	%	2.4	%
Expected life (in years)	5.0		5.0
Expected volatility	50	%	49	%

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity

The following table sets forth a summary of stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights and related information for the three months ended March 31, 2012:



	Awards		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	4,266,533		$	39.64
Granted	249,582		64.33
Exercised	(303,114	)	33.69
Forfeited	(5,000	)	69.00
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	4,208,001		41.50		6.1	$	92,601
Exercisable at March 31, 2012	2,996,413		$	40.60	5.2	$	69,000

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity

The following table sets forth a summary of restricted stock units and related information for the three months ended March 31, 2012:



	Awards	Weighted Average Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2011	203,291	$	37.16
Granted	72,324	64.33
Vested	—	—
Forfeited	—	—
Unvested at March 31, 2012	275,615	$	44.29

Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity

The following table sets forth a summary of performance-based awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012:



	Awards	Weighted Average Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2011	—	—
Granted	46,804	$	75.72
Vested	—	—
Forfeited	—	—
Unvested at March 31, 2012	46,804	$	75.72

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Performance-based Awards, Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of the performance shares granted during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:



Weighted Average Assumptions
Grant date share price	$	64.33
WESCO expected volatility	41.97		%
Peer group median volatility	33.40		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.40		%
Correlation	135.4		%

EARNINGS PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth the details of basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2012		2011
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	52,978	$	37,305
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic earnings per share	43,476,818		43,060,351
Common shares issuable upon exercise of dilutive stock options	1,340,886		1,417,346
Common shares issuable from contingently convertible debentures (see below for basis of calculation)	6,467,623		5,955,068
Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents used in computing diluted earnings per share	51,285,327		50,432,765
Earnings per share attributable to WESCO International, Inc.
Basic	$	1.22	$	0.87
Diluted	$	1.03	$	0.74

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]

Condensed Financial Information Statements Of Financial Condition [Text Block]

Condensed consolidating financial information for WESCO International, WESCO Distribution, Inc. and the non-guarantor subsidiaries is as follows:

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)



	March 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.		WESCO Distribution, Inc.			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating and Eliminating Entries			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5	$	46,605		$	17,031	$	—		$	63,641
Trade accounts receivable, net	—		—			1,006,398		—			1,006,398
Inventories, net	—		332,900			301,759		—			634,659
Other current assets	270		20,063			69,375		—			89,708
Total current assets	275		399,568			1,394,563		—			1,794,406
Intercompany receivables, net	—		—			1,821,436		(1,821,436		)	—
Property, buildings and equipment, net	—		54,117			80,338		—			134,455
Intangible assets, net	—		6,774			147,356		—			154,130
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	—		246,125			776,601		—			1,022,726
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	2,287,076		3,469,046			30,962		(5,745,600		)	41,484
Total assets	$	2,287,351	$	4,175,630		$	4,251,256	$	(7,567,036	)	$	3,147,201
Accounts payable	$	—	$	444,332		$	254,964	$	—		$	699,296
Other current liabilities	2,571		(25,929		)	202,233		—			178,875
Total current liabilities	2,571		418,403			457,197		—			878,171
Intercompany payables, net	675,609		1,145,827			—		(1,821,436		)	—
Long-term debt	169,738		157,826			275,764		—			603,328
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,129		171,395			54,999		—			254,523
Stockholders’ equity	1,411,304		2,282,179			3,463,296		(5,745,600		)	1,411,179
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,287,351	$	4,175,630		$	4,251,256	$	(7,567,036	)	$	3,147,201



	December 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.		WESCO Distribution, Inc.			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating and Eliminating Entries			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5	$	44,412		$	19,452	$	—		$	63,869
Trade accounts receivable, net	—		—			939,422		—			939,422
Inventories, net	—		341,423		—	285,544		—			626,967
Other current assets	270		32,548			74,344		—			107,162
Total current assets	275		418,383			1,318,762		—			1,737,420
Intercompany receivables, net	—		—			1,881,208		(1,881,208		)	—
Property, buildings and equipment, net	—		54,038			79,512		—			133,550
Intangible assets, net	—		6,981			149,893		—			156,874
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	—		246,125			762,002		—			1,008,127
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	2,219,142		3,412,735			31,745		(5,621,141		)	42,481
Total assets	$	2,219,417	$	4,138,262		$	4,223,122	$	(7,502,349	)	$	3,078,452
Accounts payable	$	—	$	423,509		$	219,268	$	—		$	642,777
Other current liabilities	7,797		6,510			188,762		—			203,069
Total current liabilities	7,797		430,019			408,030		—			845,846
Intercompany payables, net	668,447		1,142,761			—		(1,811,208		)	—
Long-term debt	169,054		188,081			285,787		—			642,922
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,131		163,177			52,466		—			243,774
Stockholders’ equity	1,345,988		2,214,224			3,406,839		(5,621,141		)	1,345,910
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,219,417	$	4,138,262		$	4,153,122	$	(7,432,349	)	$	3,078,452

Condensed Financial Information Statement Of Income [Text Block]



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.		WESCO Distribution, Inc.		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Entries			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—	$	853,843	$	787,401		$	(35,226	)	$	1,606,018
Cost of goods sold	—		682,843		638,651			(35,226		)	1,286,268
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17		145,856		82,266			—			228,139
Depreciation and amortization	—		3,472		4,607			—			8,079
Results of affiliates’ operations	58,767		56,433		—			(115,200		)	—
Interest expense, net	5,810		485		2,667			—			8,962
Provision for income taxes	—		18,853		2,777			—			21,630
Net income (loss)	52,940		58,767		56,433			(115,200		)	52,940
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—		(38		)	—			(38		)
Net income (loss) attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	52,940	$	58,767	$	56,471		$	(115,200	)	$	52,978
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,190		9,190		9,190			(18,380		)	9,190
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	62,130	$	67,957	$	65,661		$	(133,580	)	$	62,168



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.		WESCO Distribution, Inc.		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating and Eliminating Entries			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—	$	739,274	$	710,564	$	(18,533	)	$	1,431,305
Cost of goods sold	—		591,846		571,942		(18,533		)	1,145,255
Selling, general and administrative expenses	38		136,540		77,181		—			213,759
Depreciation and amortization	—		2,675		4,871		—			7,546
Results of affiliates’ operations	43,197		48,023		—		(91,220		)	—
Interest expense, net	5,854		3,708		3,079		—			12,641
Provision for income taxes	—		9,331		5,468		—			14,799
Net income (loss) attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	37,305	$	43,197	$	48,023	$	(91,220	)	$	37,305
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	7,986		7,986		7,986		(15,972		)	7,986
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$	45,291	$	51,183	$	56,009	$	(107,192	)	$	45,291

Condensed Financial Information Statements Of Cash Flows [Text Block]



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.			WESCO Distribution, Inc.			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Entries		Consolidated
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	$	(6,557	)	$	70,067		$	(5,171	)	$	—	$	58,339
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(4,359		)	(150		)	—		(4,509		)
Acquisition payments	—			(21,980		)	—			—		(21,980		)
Other	—			11			—			—		11
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(26,328		)	(150		)	—		(26,478		)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments)	7,162			(39,453		)	—			—		(32,291		)
Equity transactions	(605		)	—			—			—		(605		)
Other	—			(2,093		)	—			—		(2,093		)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	6,557			(41,546		)	—			—		(34,989		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			2,900			—		2,900
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			2,193			(2,421		)	—		(228		)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year	5			44,412			19,452			—		63,869
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	$	5		$	46,605		$	17,031		$	—	$	63,641



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	(In thousands)
	WESCO International, Inc.			WESCO Distribution, Inc.			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating and Eliminating Entries		Consolidated
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	$	29,668		$	(3,518	)	$	5,631		$	—	$	31,781
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(4,974		)	(585		)	—		(5,559		)
Acquisition payments	—			(7,798		)	—			—		(7,798		)
Other	—			42			—			—		42
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(12,730		)	(585		)	—		(13,315		)
Financing activities:
Net (repayments) borrowings	(29,658		)	7,187			—			—		(22,471		)
Equity transactions	(11		)	—			—			—		(11		)
Other	—			1,465			—			—		1,465
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities	(29,669		)	8,652			—			—		(21,017		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			1,406			—		1,406
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(1		)	(7,596		)	6,452			—		(1,145		)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year	1			32,342			21,234			—		53,577
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	$	—		$	24,746		$	27,686		$	—	$	52,432

ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION (Details)	Mar. 31, 2012 branches countries customers distribution_centers
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Customers (in customers) \| customers	65,000
Full service branches (in branches) \| branches	400
Distribution centers (in distribution centers) \| distribution_centers	8
Additional countries (in countries) \| countries	11

ACCOUNTING POLICIES ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fixed Rate Debt, Fair Value Disclosures	$ 983.5	$ 850.9
Fixed Rate Debt, Par Value	$ 494.9	$ 495.0

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION SCHEDULE OF SHARE-BASED PAYMENT AWARD, VALUATION ASSUMPTIONS (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 yr shares	Mar. 31, 2011 yr shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk free interest rate	0.90%	2.40%
Expected life (in years) \| yr	5.0	5.0
Expected volatility	50.00%	49.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	249,582	379,757
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	72,324	53,852
Performance-based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	46,804	0

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION SCHEDULE OF SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION, STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS AWARD ACTIVITY (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning of Year (in shares) \| shares	4,266,533
Grants in Period (in shares) \| shares	249,582
Exercises in Period (in shares) \| shares	(303,114)
Forfeitures in Period (in shares) \| shares	(5,000)
End of Period (in shares) \| shares	4,208,001
Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	2,996,413
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of Year (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 39.64
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Grants In Period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	64.33
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercises In Period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	33.69
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeitures In Period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	69.00
Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of Period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	41.50
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 40.60
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding (in years) \| yr	6.1
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable (in years) \| yr	5.2
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding \| $	$ 92,601
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable \| $	$ 69,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION SUMMARY OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Unvested (in shares)	275,615		203,291
Granted (in shares)	72,324	53,852
Vested (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Unvested, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 44.29		$ 37.16
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	64.33	$ 60.05
Vested in Period, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	0.00
Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS (Details) - Performance-based Awards [Member] - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Unvested (in shares)	46,804		0
Granted (in shares)	46,804	0
Vested (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Unvested, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 75.72		$ 0.00
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	75.72
Vested in Period, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	0.00
Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION SCHEDULE OF SHARE-BASED PAYMENT AWARD, PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS, VALUATION ASSUMPTIONS (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
WESCO expected volatility	50.00%	49.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.90%	2.40%
Performance-based Awards - Peer Group Total Shareholder Return [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date share price	$ 64.33
WESCO expected volatility	41.97%
Peer group mean volatility	33.40%
Risk-free interest rate	0.40%
Correlation	135.40%

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,803	$ 4,979
Total unrecognized compensation cost	27,900
Compensation cost expected to be recognized over the remainder of 2012	11,100
Compensation cost expected to be recognized in 2013	10,900
Compensation cost expected to be recognized in 2014	5,300
Compensation cost expected to be recognized in 2015	600
Total intrinisic value of awards exercised	8,900	6,000
Cash received from exercise of options	100	200
Tax benefit associated with exercise of awards	$ 1,800	$ 1,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 27.98	$ 26.90
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 64.33	$ 60.05
Performance-based awards outstanding (in shares)	275,615		203,291
Performance-based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 75.72
Performance-based awards outstanding (in shares)	46,804		0
Performance-based Awards - Peer Group Total Shareholder Return [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-based awards outstanding (in shares)	23,402
Performance-based Awards - WESCO Net Income Average Growth [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-based awards outstanding (in shares)	23,402

EARNINGS PER SHARE SCHEDULE OF EARNINGS PER SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$ 52,978	$ 37,305
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic earnings per share (in shares)	43,476,818	43,060,351
Common shares issuable upon exercise of dilutive stock options (in shares)	1,340,886	1,417,346
Common shares issuable from contingently convertible debentures (in shares)	6,467,623	5,955,068
Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents used in computing diluted earnings per share (in shares)	51,285,327	50,432,765
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.22	$ 0.87
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.03	$ 0.74

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
-Paragraph 18

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945512&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Convertible Senior Debentures Due in 2029 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%
Convertible Senior Debentures Due in 2026 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.75%
Convertible Senior Debentures Due In 2025 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.625%
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,000,000	1,200,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 64	$ 63
Convertible Debt Securities [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Effect of Dilutive Securities on Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	(0.15)	$ (0.10)
Convertible Debt Securities [Member] \| Convertible Senior Debentures Due in 2029 [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price (in dollars per share)	$ 28.87
Earnings Per Share Dilution Limit (in shares)	11,949,791

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Schedule of Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 9.0	$ 7.8
UNITED STATES
Schedule of Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Employer Matching Contribution Percent	50.00%
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee Percent	6.00%
Minimum [Member] \| CANADA
Schedule of Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee Percent	1.00%
Maximum [Member] \| CANADA
Schedule of Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee Percent	7.00%

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 50

- Definition

The value (monetary amount) of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 11
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14557-108349

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	29.00%	28.40%
Federal statutory rate	35.00%
Discrete adjustments	$ 2,000	$ 1,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	20,100		$ 20,900
Deferred tax asset			23,100
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	19,800		19,700
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible	15,500
Liability for interest related to uncertain tax positions	8,200		$ 11,400
Decrease in interest related to unrecognized tax benefits	$ 3,214	$ (127)

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
2017 Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.50%
2017 Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 150.0
Convertible Senior Debentures Due in 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 344.9

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 63,641	$ 63,869	$ 52,432	$ 53,577
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,006,398	939,422
Inventories, net	634,659	626,967
Other current assets	89,708	107,162
Total current assets	1,794,406	1,737,420
Intercompany receivables, net	0	0
Property, buildings and equipment, net	134,455	133,550
Intangible assets, net	154,130	156,874
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	1,022,726	1,008,127
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	41,484	42,481
Total assets	3,147,201	3,078,452
Accounts payable	699,296	642,777
Other current liabilities	178,875	203,069
Total current liabilities	878,171	845,846
Intercompany payables, net	0	0
Long-term debt	603,328	642,922
Other noncurrent liabilities	254,523	243,774
Stockholders' equity	1,411,179	1,345,910
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,147,201	3,078,452
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	5	5	0	1
Trade accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Other current assets	270	270
Total current assets	275	275
Intercompany receivables, net	0	0
Property, buildings and equipment, net	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	0	0
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	2,287,076	2,219,142
Total assets	2,287,351	2,219,417
Accounts payable	0	0
Other current liabilities	2,571	7,797
Total current liabilities	2,571	7,797
Intercompany payables, net	675,609	668,447
Long-term debt	169,738	169,054
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,129	28,131
Stockholders' equity	1,411,304	1,345,988
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,287,351	2,219,417
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	46,605	44,412	24,746	32,342
Trade accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	332,900	341,423
Other current assets	20,063	32,548
Total current assets	399,568	418,383
Intercompany receivables, net	0	0
Property, buildings and equipment, net	54,117	54,038
Intangible assets, net	6,774	6,981
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	246,125	246,125
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	3,469,046	3,412,735
Total assets	4,175,630	4,138,262
Accounts payable	444,332	423,509
Other current liabilities	(25,929)	6,510
Total current liabilities	418,403	430,019
Intercompany payables, net	1,145,827	1,142,761
Long-term debt	157,826	188,081
Other noncurrent liabilities	171,395	163,177
Stockholders' equity	2,282,179	2,214,224
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,175,630	4,138,262
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	17,031	19,452	27,686	21,234
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,006,398	939,422
Inventories, net	301,759	285,544
Other current assets	69,375	74,344
Total current assets	1,394,563	1,318,762
Intercompany receivables, net	1,821,436	1,881,208
Property, buildings and equipment, net	80,338	79,512
Intangible assets, net	147,356	149,893
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	776,601	762,002
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	30,962	31,745
Total assets	4,251,256	4,223,122
Accounts payable	254,964	219,268
Other current liabilities	202,233	188,762
Total current liabilities	457,197	408,030
Intercompany payables, net	0	0
Long-term debt	275,764	285,787
Other noncurrent liabilities	54,999	52,466
Stockholders' equity	3,463,296	3,406,839
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,251,256	4,153,122
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Trade accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Intercompany receivables, net	(1,821,436)	(1,881,208)
Property, buildings and equipment, net	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	0	0
Investments in affiliates and other noncurrent assets	(5,745,600)	(5,621,141)
Total assets	(7,567,036)	(7,502,349)
Accounts payable	0	0
Other current liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Intercompany payables, net	(1,821,436)	(1,811,208)
Long-term debt	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Stockholders' equity	(5,745,600)	(5,621,141)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ (7,567,036)	$ (7,432,349)

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,606,018	$ 1,431,305
Cost of goods sold	1,286,268	1,145,255
Selling, general and administrative expenses	228,139	213,759
Depreciation and amortization	8,079	7,546
Results of affiliates' operations	0	0
Interest expense, net	8,962	12,641
Provision for income taxes	21,630	14,799
Net income	52,940	37,305
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(38)	0
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	52,978	37,305
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,190	7,986
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	62,168	45,291
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Cost of goods sold	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17	38
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Results of affiliates' operations	58,767	43,197
Interest expense, net	5,810	5,854
Provision for income taxes	0	0
Net income	52,940
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	52,940	37,305
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,190	7,986
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	62,130	45,291
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net sales	853,843	739,274
Cost of goods sold	682,843	591,846
Selling, general and administrative expenses	145,856	136,540
Depreciation and amortization	3,472	2,675
Results of affiliates' operations	56,433	48,023
Interest expense, net	485	3,708
Provision for income taxes	18,853	9,331
Net income	58,767
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	58,767	43,197
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,190	7,986
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	67,957	51,183
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net sales	787,401	710,564
Cost of goods sold	638,651	571,942
Selling, general and administrative expenses	82,266	77,181
Depreciation and amortization	4,607	4,871
Results of affiliates' operations	0	0
Interest expense, net	2,667	3,079
Provision for income taxes	2,777	5,468
Net income	56,433
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(38)
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	56,471	48,023
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,190	7,986
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	65,661	56,009
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net sales	(35,226)	(18,533)
Cost of goods sold	(35,226)	(18,533)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Results of affiliates' operations	(115,200)	(91,220)
Interest expense, net	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0
Net income	(115,200)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	(115,200)	(91,220)
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(18,380)	(15,972)
Comprehensive income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	$ (133,580)	$ (107,192)

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activites	$ 58,339	$ 31,781
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(4,509)	(5,559)
Acquisition payments, net of cash acquired	(21,980)	(7,798)
Other	11	42
Net cash used in investing activities	(26,478)	(13,315)
Financing activities:
Net borrowing (repayments)	(32,291)	(22,471)
Equity transactions	(605)	(11)
Other	(2,093)	1,465
Net cash used in financing activities	(34,989)	(21,017)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,900	1,406
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(228)	(1,145)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	63,869	53,577
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	63,641	52,432
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activites	(6,557)	29,668
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Acquisition payments, net of cash acquired	0	0
Other	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Financing activities:
Net borrowing (repayments)	7,162	(29,658)
Equity transactions	(605)	(11)
Other	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	6,557	(29,669)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	(1)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	5	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	5	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activites	70,067	(3,518)
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(4,359)	(4,974)
Acquisition payments, net of cash acquired	(21,980)	(7,798)
Other	11	42
Net cash used in investing activities	(26,328)	(12,730)
Financing activities:
Net borrowing (repayments)	(39,453)	7,187
Equity transactions	0	0
Other	(2,093)	1,465
Net cash used in financing activities	(41,546)	8,652
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	2,193	(7,596)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	44,412	32,342
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	46,605	24,746
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activites	(5,171)	5,631
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(150)	(585)
Acquisition payments, net of cash acquired	0	0
Other	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(150)	(585)
Financing activities:
Net borrowing (repayments)	0	0
Equity transactions	0	0
Other	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,900	1,406
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(2,421)	6,452
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	19,452	21,234
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	17,031	27,686
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Information [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activites	0	0
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Acquisition payments, net of cash acquired	0	0
Other	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Financing activities:
Net borrowing (repayments)	0	0
Equity transactions	0	0
Other	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 0	$ 0