CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,855,212	$ 1,923,899	$ 5,542,755	$ 5,656,947
Cost of goods sold	1,490,173	1,543,113	4,443,079	4,526,836
Selling, general and administrative expense	255,547	258,151	799,356	797,980
Depreciation and amortization	16,937	16,287	50,269	48,347
Income from operations	92,555	106,348	250,051	283,784
Interest expense, net	20,792	20,417	59,073	59,924
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	123,933	0	123,933	0
Income before income taxes	(52,170)	85,931	67,045	223,860
Provision for income taxes	(21,149)	23,547	13,678	64,047
Net income	(31,021)	62,384	53,367	159,813
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	590	(1,119)	(876)	(2,460)
Net income attributable to WESCO International, Inc.	(31,611)	63,503	54,243	162,273
Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(13,993)	(95,377)	66,512	(183,634)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ (16)	$ 0
Earnings per share attributable to WESCO International, Inc.
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.73)	$ 1.47	$ 1.27	$ 3.70
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.73)	$ 1.28	$ 1.13	$ 3.16

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- Definition

The aggregate costs related to goods produced and sold and services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. This excludes costs incurred during the reporting period related to financial services rendered and other revenue generating activities.