10-K Filing

W.W. GRAINGER, INC. CIK: 277135 FY 2015

Filing Information

Form Type	10-K
Accession Number	`0000277135-16-000037`
Period End Date	20151231
Filing Date	20160229
Fiscal Year	2015
Fiscal Period	FY
XBRL Instance	gww-20151231.xml

Filing Contents

This filing contains the following financial statements:

Balance Sheet 101 Income Statement 124 Cash Flow Statement 119 Stockholders Equity 24 Comprehensive Income 67

Balance Sheet 101 line items

Line Item	Tag	Value	Unit	Period
Allowance for doubtful accounts	`AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent`	$22.12M	USD	Point-in-time
Allowance for doubtful accounts	`AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent`	$20.10M	USD	Point-in-time
Allowance for doubtful accounts	`AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent`	$22.29M	USD	Point-in-time
Cumulative preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	`PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare`	$5.00	USD	Point-in-time
Cumulative preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	`PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare`	$5.00	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$290.14M	USD	Point-in-time
Cumulative preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	`PreferredStockSharesAuthorized`	12.00M	shares	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$226.64M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$430.64M	USD	Point-in-time
Cumulative preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	`PreferredStockSharesAuthorized`	12.00M	shares	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$452.06M	USD	Point-in-time
Accounts receivable (less allowances for doubtful accounts of $22,288 and $22,121, respectively)	`AccountsReceivableNetCurrent`	$1.21B	USD	Point-in-time
Cumulative preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	`PreferredStockSharesIssued`	0.00	shares	Point-in-time
Cumulative preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	`PreferredStockSharesIssued`	0.00	shares	Point-in-time
Accounts receivable (less allowances for doubtful accounts of $22,288 and $22,121, respectively)	`AccountsReceivableNetCurrent`	$1.17B	USD	Point-in-time
Inventories net	`InventoryNet`	$1.41B	USD	Point-in-time
Cumulative preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	`PreferredStockSharesOutstanding`	0.00	shares	Point-in-time
Cumulative preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	`PreferredStockSharesOutstanding`	0.00	shares	Point-in-time
Inventories net	`InventoryNet`	$1.36B	USD	Point-in-time
Prepaid expenses and other assets	`PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent`	$102.67M	USD	Point-in-time
Prepaid expenses and other assets	`PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent`	$85.67M	USD	Point-in-time
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	`CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare`	$0.50	USD	Point-in-time
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	`CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare`	$0.50	USD	Point-in-time
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	`CommonStockSharesAuthorized`	300.00M	shares	Point-in-time
Deferred income taxes	`DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent`	$61.39M	USD	Point-in-time
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	`CommonStockSharesAuthorized`	300.00M	shares	Point-in-time
Deferred income taxes	`DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent`	-	USD	Point-in-time
Prepaid income taxes	`PrepaidTaxes`	$49.02M	USD	Point-in-time
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	`CommonStockSharesIssued`	109.66M	shares	Point-in-time
Prepaid income taxes	`PrepaidTaxes`	$47.53M	USD	Point-in-time
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	`CommonStockSharesIssued`	109.66M	shares	Point-in-time
Treasury stock, shares at cost (in shares)	`TreasuryStockShares`	42.23M	shares	Point-in-time
Total current assets	`AssetsCurrent`	$3.05B	USD	Point-in-time
Total current assets	`AssetsCurrent`	$2.97B	USD	Point-in-time
Treasury stock, shares at cost (in shares)	`TreasuryStockShares`	47.63M	shares	Point-in-time
Land	`Land`	$337.57M	USD	Point-in-time
Land	`Land`	$323.76M	USD	Point-in-time
Buildings, structures and improvements	`BuildingsAndImprovementsGross`	$1.35B	USD	Point-in-time
Buildings, structures and improvements	`BuildingsAndImprovementsGross`	$1.27B	USD	Point-in-time
Furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment	`FixturesAndEquipmentGross`	$1.69B	USD	Point-in-time
Furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment	`FixturesAndEquipmentGross`	$1.51B	USD	Point-in-time
Property, buildings and equipment gross	`PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross`	$3.12B	USD	Point-in-time
Property, buildings and equipment gross	`PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross`	$3.37B	USD	Point-in-time
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	`AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment`	$1.94B	USD	Point-in-time
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	`AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment`	$1.79B	USD	Point-in-time
Property, buildings and equipment net	`PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet`	$1.32B	USD	Point-in-time
Property, buildings and equipment net	`PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet`	$1.43B	USD	Point-in-time
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	`DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent`	$84.00M	USD	Point-in-time
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	`DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent`	$16.72M	USD	Point-in-time
GOODWILL	`Goodwill`	$506.90M	USD	Point-in-time
GOODWILL	`Goodwill`	$525.47M	USD	Point-in-time
GOODWILL	`Goodwill`	$582.34M	USD	Point-in-time
INTANGIBLES NET	`IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill`	$263.93M	USD	Point-in-time
INTANGIBLES NET	`IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill`	$463.29M	USD	Point-in-time
OTHER ASSETS	`OtherAssetsNoncurrent`	$203.60M	USD	Point-in-time
OTHER ASSETS	`OtherAssetsNoncurrent`	$248.25M	USD	Point-in-time
TOTAL ASSETS	`Assets`	$5.86B	USD	Point-in-time
TOTAL ASSETS	`Assets`	$5.28B	USD	Point-in-time
TOTAL ASSETS	`Assets`	$5.27B	USD	Point-in-time
Short-term debt	`ShortTermBorrowings`	$353.07M	USD	Point-in-time
Short-term debt	`ShortTermBorrowings`	$56.90M	USD	Point-in-time
Current maturities of long-term debt	`LongTermDebtCurrent`	$247.35M	USD	Point-in-time
Current maturities of long-term debt	`LongTermDebtCurrent`	$23.40M	USD	Point-in-time
Trade accounts payable	`AccountsPayableTradeCurrentAndNoncurrent`	$583.47M	USD	Point-in-time
Trade accounts payable	`AccountsPayableTradeCurrentAndNoncurrent`	$554.09M	USD	Point-in-time
Accrued compensation and benefits	`EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent`	$196.67M	USD	Point-in-time
Accrued compensation and benefits	`EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent`	$191.70M	USD	Point-in-time
Accrued contributions to employees profit sharing plans	`OtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlanLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent`	$124.59M	USD	Point-in-time
Accrued contributions to employees profit sharing plans	`OtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlanLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent`	$178.08M	USD	Point-in-time
Accrued expenses	`AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent`	$266.70M	USD	Point-in-time
Accrued expenses	`AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent`	$245.30M	USD	Point-in-time
Income taxes payable	`AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent`	$12.26M	USD	Point-in-time
Income taxes payable	`AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent`	$16.69M	USD	Point-in-time
Total current liabilities	`LiabilitiesCurrent`	$1.79B	USD	Point-in-time
Total current liabilities	`LiabilitiesCurrent`	$1.26B	USD	Point-in-time
LONG-TERM DEBT (less current maturities)	`LongTermDebtNoncurrent`	$403.33M	USD	Point-in-time
LONG-TERM DEBT (less current maturities)	`LongTermDebtNoncurrent`	$1.39B	USD	Point-in-time
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND TAX UNCERTAINTIES	`DeferredIncomeTaxesAndOtherTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent`	$95.45M	USD	Point-in-time
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND TAX UNCERTAINTIES	`DeferredIncomeTaxesAndOtherTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent`	$154.35M	USD	Point-in-time
EMPLOYMENT-RELATED AND OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES	`OtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlanLiabilitiesNoncurrent`	$173.74M	USD	Point-in-time
EMPLOYMENT-RELATED AND OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES	`OtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlanLiabilitiesNoncurrent`	$238.44M	USD	Point-in-time
Cumulative Preferred Stock $5 par value 12,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	`PreferredStockValue`	-	USD	Point-in-time
Cumulative Preferred Stock $5 par value 12,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	`PreferredStockValue`	-	USD	Point-in-time
Common Stock $0.50 par value 300,000,000 shares authorized; issued 109,659,219 shares	`CommonStockValue`	$54.83M	USD	Point-in-time
Common Stock $0.50 par value 300,000,000 shares authorized; issued 109,659,219 shares	`CommonStockValue`	$54.83M	USD	Point-in-time
Additional contributed capital	`AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock`	$1.00B	USD	Point-in-time
Additional contributed capital	`AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock`	$948.34M	USD	Point-in-time
Retained earnings	`RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit`	$6.34B	USD	Point-in-time
Retained earnings	`RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit`	$6.80B	USD	Point-in-time
Accumulated other comprehensive losses	`AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax`	$-221.09M	USD	Point-in-time
Accumulated other comprehensive losses	`AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax`	$-96.67M	USD	Point-in-time
Treasury stock, at cost 47,630,511 and 42,227,178 shares, respectively	`TreasuryStockValue`	$5.37B	USD	Point-in-time
Treasury stock, at cost 47,630,511 and 42,227,178 shares, respectively	`TreasuryStockValue`	$4.03B	USD	Point-in-time
Total W.W. Grainger, Inc. shareholders equity	`StockholdersEquity`	$2.27B	USD	Point-in-time
Total W.W. Grainger, Inc. shareholders equity	`StockholdersEquity`	$3.21B	USD	Point-in-time
Noncontrolling interest	`MinorityInterest`	$74.23M	USD	Point-in-time
Noncontrolling interest	`MinorityInterest`	$86.08M	USD	Point-in-time
Total shareholders' equity	`StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$2.35B	USD	Point-in-time
Total shareholders' equity	`StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$3.28B	USD	Point-in-time
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	`LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity`	$5.28B	USD	Point-in-time
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	`LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity`	$5.86B	USD	Point-in-time

Income Statement 124 line items

Line Item	Tag	Value	Unit	Period
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$2.44B	USD	1 Quarter
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$2.52B	USD	1 Quarter
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$2.51B	USD	1 Quarter
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$2.51B	USD	1 Quarter
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$2.53B	USD	1 Quarter
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$2.39B	USD	1 Quarter
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$9.97B	USD	Annual
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$9.96B	USD	Annual
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$2.48B	USD	1 Quarter
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$9.44B	USD	Annual
Net sales	`SalesRevenueNet`	$2.56B	USD	1 Quarter
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$5.30B	USD	Annual
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$1.43B	USD	1 Quarter
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$1.35B	USD	1 Quarter
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$1.48B	USD	1 Quarter
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$1.31B	USD	1 Quarter
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$5.65B	USD	Annual
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$1.46B	USD	1 Quarter
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$1.46B	USD	1 Quarter
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$5.74B	USD	Annual
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$1.47B	USD	1 Quarter
Cost of merchandise sold	`CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold`	$1.45B	USD	1 Quarter
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$1.10B	USD	1 Quarter
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$1.05B	USD	1 Quarter
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$1.00B	USD	1 Quarter
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$1.07B	USD	1 Quarter
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$1.09B	USD	1 Quarter
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$4.31B	USD	Annual
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$4.23B	USD	Annual
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$1.06B	USD	1 Quarter
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$4.14B	USD	Annual
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$1.08B	USD	1 Quarter
Gross profit	`GrossProfit`	$1.08B	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$721.15M	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$716.72M	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$750.75M	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$2.93B	USD	Annual
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$739.93M	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$2.97B	USD	Annual
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$788.29M	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$717.27M	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$742.50M	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$721.63M	USD	1 Quarter
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	`SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense`	$2.84B	USD	Annual
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$354.34M	USD	1 Quarter
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$351.25M	USD	1 Quarter
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$251.63M	USD	1 Quarter
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$266.51M	USD	1 Quarter
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$356.72M	USD	1 Quarter
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$1.30B	USD	Annual
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$340.75M	USD	1 Quarter
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$385.51M	USD	1 Quarter
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$1.30B	USD	Annual
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$1.35B	USD	Annual
Operating earnings	`OperatingIncomeLoss`	$340.73M	USD	1 Quarter
Interest income	`InvestmentIncomeInterest`	$1.17M	USD	Annual
Interest income	`InvestmentIncomeInterest`	$3.23M	USD	Annual
Interest income	`InvestmentIncomeInterest`	$2.07M	USD	Annual
Interest expense	`InterestExpense`	$33.57M	USD	Annual
Interest expense	`InterestExpense`	$13.22M	USD	Annual
Interest expense	`InterestExpense`	$10.09M	USD	Annual
Loss from equity method investment	`IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments`	-	USD	Annual
Loss from equity method investment	`IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments`	$-11.74M	USD	Annual
Loss from equity method investment	`IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments`	-	USD	Annual
Other non-operating income	`OtherNonoperatingIncome`	$483.00K	USD	Annual
Other non-operating income	`OtherNonoperatingIncome`	$2.73M	USD	Annual
Other non-operating income	`OtherNonoperatingIncome`	$1.10M	USD	Annual
Other non-operating expense	`OtherNonoperatingExpense`	$2.00M	USD	Annual
Other non-operating expense	`OtherNonoperatingExpense`	$6.57M	USD	Annual
Other non-operating expense	`OtherNonoperatingExpense`	$5.19M	USD	Annual
Total other income and (expense)	`NonoperatingIncomeExpense`	$-12.73M	USD	Annual
Total other income and (expense)	`NonoperatingIncomeExpense`	$-9.26M	USD	Annual
Total other income and (expense)	`NonoperatingIncomeExpense`	$-49.62M	USD	Annual
Earnings before income taxes	`IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest`	$1.29B	USD	Annual
Earnings before income taxes	`IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest`	$1.25B	USD	Annual
Earnings before income taxes	`IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest`	$1.33B	USD	Annual
Income taxes	`IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit`	$479.85M	USD	Annual
Income taxes	`IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit`	$465.53M	USD	Annual
Income taxes	`IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit`	$522.09M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$812.30M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$807.75M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$785.17M	USD	Annual
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	`NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$10.71M	USD	Annual
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	`NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$10.57M	USD	Annual
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	`NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$16.18M	USD	Annual
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$192.20M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$211.01M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$230.32M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$797.04M	USD	Annual
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$205.91M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$148.84M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$216.65M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$145.23M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$220.55M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$769.00M	USD	Annual
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$801.73M	USD	Annual
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$2.94	USD	1 Quarter
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$11.69	USD	Annual
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$11.59	USD	Annual
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$3.28	USD	1 Quarter
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$3.11	USD	1 Quarter
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$11.31	USD	Annual
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$3.11	USD	1 Quarter
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$2.97	USD	1 Quarter
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$2.17	USD	1 Quarter
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$2.32	USD	1 Quarter
Basic (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareBasic`	$3.33	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$2.94	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$11.58	USD	Annual
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$3.25	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$3.30	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$2.92	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$2.14	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$3.07	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$3.07	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$2.30	USD	1 Quarter
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$11.13	USD	Annual
Diluted (in dollars per share)	`EarningsPerShareDiluted`	$11.45	USD	Annual
Basic (in shares)	`WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic`	68.33M	shares	Annual
Basic (in shares)	`WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic`	69.46M	shares	Annual
Basic (in shares)	`WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic`	65.16M	shares	Annual
Diluted (in shares)	`WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding`	69.21M	shares	Annual
Diluted (in shares)	`WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding`	65.77M	shares	Annual
Diluted (in shares)	`WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding`	70.58M	shares	Annual

Cash Flow Statement 119 line items

Line Item	Tag	Value	Unit	Period
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$812.30M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$807.75M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$785.17M	USD	Annual
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	`ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts`	$8.86M	USD	Annual
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	`ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts`	$10.18M	USD	Annual
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	`ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts`	$12.95M	USD	Annual
Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties	`OtherIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations`	$-9.32M	USD	Annual
Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties	`OtherIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations`	$4.08M	USD	Annual
Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties	`OtherIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations`	$-13.73M	USD	Annual
Depreciation and amortization	`DepreciationAndAmortization`	$180.61M	USD	Annual
Depreciation and amortization	`DepreciationAndAmortization`	$227.97M	USD	Annual
Depreciation and amortization	`DepreciationAndAmortization`	$208.33M	USD	Annual
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	`GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment`	$16.65M	USD	Annual
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	`GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment`	-	USD	Annual
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	`GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment`	$26.28M	USD	Annual
Losses (gains) from non-cash charges and sales of assets	`GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets`	$-41.04M	USD	Annual
Losses (gains) from non-cash charges and sales of assets	`GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets`	$22.16M	USD	Annual
Losses (gains) from non-cash charges and sales of assets	`GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets`	$-2.77M	USD	Annual
Stock-based compensation	`ShareBasedCompensation`	$55.59M	USD	Annual
Stock-based compensation	`ShareBasedCompensation`	$46.86M	USD	Annual
Stock-based compensation	`ShareBasedCompensation`	$49.03M	USD	Annual
Losses from equity method investment	`IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments`	-	USD	Annual
Losses from equity method investment	`IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments`	$-11.74M	USD	Annual
Losses from equity method investment	`IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments`	-	USD	Annual
Accounts receivable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable`	$3.08M	USD	Annual
Accounts receivable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable`	$126.47M	USD	Annual
Accounts receivable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable`	$122.58M	USD	Annual
Inventories	`IncreaseDecreaseInInventories`	$37.74M	USD	Annual
Inventories	`IncreaseDecreaseInInventories`	$92.44M	USD	Annual
Inventories	`IncreaseDecreaseInInventories`	$23.64M	USD	Annual
Prepaid expenses and other assets	`IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets`	$24.55M	USD	Annual
Prepaid expenses and other assets	`IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets`	$-15.79M	USD	Annual
Prepaid expenses and other assets	`IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets`	$-16.87M	USD	Annual
Trade accounts payable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade`	$23.13M	USD	Annual
Trade accounts payable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade`	$71.12M	USD	Annual
Trade accounts payable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade`	$32.02M	USD	Annual
Other current liabilities	`IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities`	$-707.00K	USD	Annual
Other current liabilities	`IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities`	$8.69M	USD	Annual
Other current liabilities	`IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities`	$-70.31M	USD	Annual
Current income taxes payable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable`	$-1.49M	USD	Annual
Current income taxes payable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable`	$6.94M	USD	Annual
Current income taxes payable	`IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable`	$-4.81M	USD	Annual
Accrued employment-related benefits cost	`IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities`	$9.87M	USD	Annual
Accrued employment-related benefits cost	`IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities`	$35.03M	USD	Annual
Accrued employment-related benefits cost	`IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities`	$-27.72M	USD	Annual
Other net	`IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet`	$1.42M	USD	Annual
Other net	`IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet`	$3.36M	USD	Annual
Other net	`IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet`	$5.87M	USD	Annual
Net cash provided by operating activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities`	$986.50M	USD	Annual
Net cash provided by operating activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities`	$959.81M	USD	Annual
Net cash provided by operating activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities`	$989.90M	USD	Annual
Additions to property, buildings and equipment	`PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment`	$373.87M	USD	Annual
Additions to property, buildings and equipment	`PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment`	$272.14M	USD	Annual
Additions to property, buildings and equipment	`PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment`	$387.39M	USD	Annual
Proceeds from sales of assets	`ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment`	$26.70M	USD	Annual
Proceeds from sales of assets	`ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment`	$14.86M	USD	Annual
Proceeds from sales of assets	`ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment`	$26.75M	USD	Annual
Equity method investment	`PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments`	$20.38M	USD	Annual
Equity method investment	`PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments`	-	USD	Annual
Equity method investment	`PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments`	-	USD	Annual
Cash paid for business acquisitions	`PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired`	$30.71M	USD	Annual
Cash paid for business acquisitions	`PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired`	$464.43M	USD	Annual
Cash paid for business acquisitions	`PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired`	$153.91M	USD	Annual
Other net	`PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities`	$-7.29M	USD	Annual
Other net	`PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities`	$-466.00K	USD	Annual
Other net	`PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities`	$68.00K	USD	Annual
Net cash used in investing activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities`	$-399.43M	USD	Annual
Net cash used in investing activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities`	$-384.06M	USD	Annual
Net cash used in investing activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities`	$-843.36M	USD	Annual
Net increase in commercial paper	`ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper`	$325.00M	USD	Annual
Net increase in commercial paper	`ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper`	-	USD	Annual
Net increase in commercial paper	`ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper`	$5.00M	USD	Annual
Borrowings under lines of credit	`ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit`	$108.72M	USD	Annual
Borrowings under lines of credit	`ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit`	$144.81M	USD	Annual
Borrowings under lines of credit	`ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit`	$54.77M	USD	Annual
Payments against lines of credit	`RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit`	$78.56M	USD	Annual
Payments against lines of credit	`RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit`	$154.45M	USD	Annual
Payments against lines of credit	`RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit`	$117.28M	USD	Annual
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	`ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt`	$150.50M	USD	Annual
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	`ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt`	$1.31B	USD	Annual
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	`ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt`	-	USD	Annual
Payments of long-term debt and commercial paper	`RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt`	$16.68M	USD	Annual
Payments of long-term debt and commercial paper	`RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt`	$170.91M	USD	Annual
Payments of long-term debt and commercial paper	`RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt`	$52.84M	USD	Annual
Proceeds from stock options exercised	`ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised`	$60.88M	USD	Annual
Proceeds from stock options exercised	`ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised`	$69.41M	USD	Annual
Proceeds from stock options exercised	`ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised`	$48.58M	USD	Annual
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	`ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities`	$33.77M	USD	Annual
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	`ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities`	$59.98M	USD	Annual
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	`ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities`	$27.55M	USD	Annual
Purchase of treasury stock	`PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock`	$1.40B	USD	Annual
Purchase of treasury stock	`PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock`	$525.12M	USD	Annual
Purchase of treasury stock	`PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock`	$438.47M	USD	Annual
Cash dividends paid	`PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock`	$255.47M	USD	Annual
Cash dividends paid	`PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock`	$291.39M	USD	Annual
Cash dividends paid	`PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock`	$306.47M	USD	Annual
Net cash used in financing activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities`	$-590.87M	USD	Annual
Net cash used in financing activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities`	$-758.12M	USD	Annual
Net cash used in financing activities	`NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities`	$-62.55M	USD	Annual
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents	`EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents`	$-17.62M	USD	Annual
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents	`EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents`	$-21.63M	USD	Annual
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents	`EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents`	$-20.50M	USD	Annual
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	`CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease`	$-21.42M	USD	Annual
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	`CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease`	$-204.00M	USD	Annual
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	`CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease`	$63.49M	USD	Annual
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$290.14M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$226.64M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$430.64M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$452.06M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$290.14M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$226.64M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$430.64M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	`CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue`	$452.06M	USD	Point-in-time
Cash payments for interest (net of amounts capitalized)	`InterestPaidNet`	$31.59M	USD	Annual
Cash payments for interest (net of amounts capitalized)	`InterestPaidNet`	$10.17M	USD	Annual
Cash payments for interest (net of amounts capitalized)	`InterestPaidNet`	$12.95M	USD	Annual
Cash payments for income taxes	`IncomeTaxesPaidNet`	$509.38M	USD	Annual
Cash payments for income taxes	`IncomeTaxesPaidNet`	$414.36M	USD	Annual
Cash payments for income taxes	`IncomeTaxesPaidNet`	$442.49M	USD	Annual

Stockholders Equity 24 line items

Line Item	Tag	Value	Unit	Period
Cash dividends paid per share	`CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid`	$4.17	USD	Annual
Cash dividends paid per share	`CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid`	$4.59	USD	Annual
Cash dividends paid per share	`CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid`	$3.59	USD	Annual
Beginning balance	`StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$2.35B	USD	Point-in-time
Beginning balance	`StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$3.28B	USD	Point-in-time
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	`NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$10.71M	USD	Annual
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	`NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$10.57M	USD	Annual
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	`NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$16.18M	USD	Annual
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$192.20M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$211.01M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$230.32M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$797.04M	USD	Annual
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$205.91M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$148.84M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$216.65M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$145.23M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$220.55M	USD	1 Quarter
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$769.00M	USD	Annual
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`NetIncomeLoss`	$801.73M	USD	Annual
Other comprehensive earnings	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax`	$-124.95M	USD	Annual
Other comprehensive earnings	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax`	$-40.29M	USD	Annual
Other comprehensive earnings	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax`	$-135.47M	USD	Annual
Ending balance	`StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$2.35B	USD	Point-in-time
Ending balance	`StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$3.28B	USD	Point-in-time

Comprehensive Income 67 line items

Line Item	Tag	Value	Unit	Period
Foreign currency translation adjustment tax benefit (expense)	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax`	$4.08M	USD	Annual
Foreign currency translation adjustment tax benefit (expense)	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax`	$2.81M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$812.30M	USD	Annual
Foreign currency translation adjustment tax benefit (expense)	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax`	-	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$807.75M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ProfitLoss`	$785.17M	USD	Annual
Net investment hedge tax (expense) benefit	`TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeTaxBenefitExpense`	$-2.36M	USD	Annual
Net investment hedge tax (expense) benefit	`TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeTaxBenefitExpense`	$-3.39M	USD	Annual
Net investment hedge tax (expense) benefit	`TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeTaxBenefitExpense`	-	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement benefit plan tax benefit (expense)	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax`	$14.14M	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement benefit plan tax benefit (expense)	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax`	$-21.63M	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement benefit plan tax benefit (expense)	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax`	$-19.06M	USD	Annual
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain, net of tax benefit of $0, $2,806 and $4,078, respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax`	$-78.25M	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement reclassification adjusment tax expense	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax`	$1.44M	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement reclassification adjusment tax expense	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax`	$2.04M	USD	Annual
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain, net of tax benefit of $0, $2,806 and $4,078, respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax`	$-154.10M	USD	Annual
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain, net of tax benefit of $0, $2,806 and $4,078, respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax`	$-127.85M	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement reclassification adjusment tax expense	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax`	$2.54M	USD	Annual
Gain (loss) of other employment-related benefit plans tax benefit	`Otheremploymentrelatedbenefitplanstaxexpense`	$440.00K	USD	Annual
Gain (loss) of other employment-related benefit plans tax benefit	`Otheremploymentrelatedbenefitplanstaxexpense`	$313.00K	USD	Annual
Net investment hedge gain, net of tax expense of $0, $(2,360) and $(3,393), respectively	`TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeIncreaseDecreaseNetOfTax`	$3.78M	USD	Annual
Net investment hedge gain, net of tax expense of $0, $(2,360) and $(3,393), respectively	`TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeIncreaseDecreaseNetOfTax`	-	USD	Annual
Net investment hedge gain, net of tax expense of $0, $(2,360) and $(3,393), respectively	`TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeIncreaseDecreaseNetOfTax`	$5.44M	USD	Annual
Gain (loss) of other employment-related benefit plans tax benefit	`Otheremploymentrelatedbenefitplanstaxexpense`	-	USD	Annual
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationNetOfTax`	-	USD	Annual
Other employment-related reclassification adjustment tax benefit	`Otheremploymentrelatedbenefitplansreclassificationtaxbenefit`	$-2.32M	USD	Annual
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationNetOfTax`	$-9.04M	USD	Annual
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationNetOfTax`	-	USD	Annual
Net foreign currency translation (loss) gain	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax`	$-115.02M	USD	Annual
Net foreign currency translation (loss) gain	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax`	$-154.10M	USD	Annual
Net foreign currency translation (loss) gain	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax`	$-72.81M	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement benefit plan, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(19,056), $14,140 and $(21,632), respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax`	$-35.05M	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement benefit plan, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(19,056), $14,140 and $(21,632), respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax`	$22.67M	USD	Annual
Defined postretirement benefit plan, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(19,056), $14,140 and $(21,632), respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax`	$-30.45M	USD	Annual
Reclassification adjustments related to amortization, net of tax expense of $2,043, $2,545 and $1,444, respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetOfTax`	$-3.25M	USD	Annual
Reclassification adjustments related to amortization, net of tax expense of $2,043, $2,545 and $1,444, respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetOfTax`	$-2.39M	USD	Annual
Reclassification adjustments related to amortization, net of tax expense of $2,043, $2,545 and $1,444, respectively	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetOfTax`	$-4.07M	USD	Annual
Net defined postretirement benefit plans	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax`	$-27.20M	USD	Annual
Net defined postretirement benefit plans	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax`	$26.74M	USD	Annual
Net defined postretirement benefit plans	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax`	$-32.66M	USD	Annual
Gain (loss) on other employment-related benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $0, $440 and $313, respectively	`GainLossOnOtherEmploymentRelatedBenefitPlansNetOfTax`	$-641.00K	USD	Annual
Gain (loss) on other employment-related benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $0, $440 and $313, respectively	`GainLossOnOtherEmploymentRelatedBenefitPlansNetOfTax`	$1.32M	USD	Annual
Gain (loss) on other employment-related benefit plans, net of tax benefit of $0, $440 and $313, respectively	`GainLossOnOtherEmploymentRelatedBenefitPlansNetOfTax`	$1.46M	USD	Annual
Reclassification adjustment related to plan amendment and settlement, net of tax benefit of $(2,324)	`Otheremploymentrelatedbenefitplanreclassificationtoearningsnetoftax`	$-6.97M	USD	Annual
Reclassification adjustment related to plan amendment and settlement, net of tax benefit of $(2,324)	`Otheremploymentrelatedbenefitplanreclassificationtoearningsnetoftax`	-	USD	Annual
Reclassification adjustment related to plan amendment and settlement, net of tax benefit of $(2,324)	`Otheremploymentrelatedbenefitplanreclassificationtoearningsnetoftax`	-	USD	Annual
Net other employment-related benefit plans	`GainLossonotheremployeebenefitplansnetoftaxandreclassifications`	$641.00K	USD	Annual
Net other employment-related benefit plans	`GainLossonotheremployeebenefitplansnetoftaxandreclassifications`	$5.51M	USD	Annual
Net other employment-related benefit plans	`GainLossonotheremployeebenefitplansnetoftaxandreclassifications`	$-1.32M	USD	Annual
Derivative instrument change in fair value of cash flow hedge	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax`	$1.30M	USD	Annual
Derivative instrument change in fair value of cash flow hedge	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax`	$786.00K	USD	Annual
Derivative instrument change in fair value of cash flow hedge	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax`	$1.19M	USD	Annual
Total other comprehensive earnings	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax`	$-124.95M	USD	Annual
Total other comprehensive earnings	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax`	$-40.29M	USD	Annual
Total other comprehensive earnings	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax`	$-135.47M	USD	Annual
Comprehensive earnings, net of tax	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$660.22M	USD	Annual
Comprehensive earnings, net of tax	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$676.83M	USD	Annual
Comprehensive earnings, net of tax	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$767.46M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$10.71M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$16.18M	USD	Annual
Net earnings	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$10.57M	USD	Annual
Foreign currency translation adjustments	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$-15.62M	USD	Annual
Foreign currency translation adjustments	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$-532.00K	USD	Annual
Foreign currency translation adjustments	`OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest`	$-9.88M	USD	Annual
Comprehensive earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax`	$676.14M	USD	Annual
Comprehensive earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax`	$772.37M	USD	Annual
Comprehensive earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	`ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax`	$644.58M	USD	Annual

Data is extracted from SEC EDGAR XBRL filings. Values shown are as reported in the filing.