EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Basic [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	14,600	14,422	14,529	14,394
Net income (loss) attributable to DXP Enterprises, Inc.	$ 263	$ (52,435)	$ 321	$ (35,617)
Convertible preferred stock dividend	23	23	68	68
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ 240	$ (52,458)	$ 253	$ (35,685)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ (3.64)	$ 0.02	$ (2.48)
Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	14,600	14,422	14,529	14,394
Assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock (in shares)	840	0	840	0
Total dilutive shares (in shares)	15,440	14,422	15,369	14,394
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ 240	$ (52,458)	$ 253	$ (35,685)
Convertible preferred stock dividend	(23)	0	(68)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to DXP Enterprises, Inc. for diluted earnings per share	$ 263	$ (52,458)	$ 321	$ (35,685)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ (3.64)	$ 0.02	$ (2.48)