EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Basic [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	17,409,000	14,486,000
Net income (loss) attributable to DXP Enterprises, Inc.	$ 3,133	$ (5,112)
Convertible preferred stock dividend	23	23
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ 3,110	$ (5,135)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.35)
Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	17,409,000	14,486,000
Assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock (in shares)	840,000	0
Total dilutive shares (in shares)	18,249,000	14,486,000
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ 3,110	$ (5,135)
Convertible preferred stock dividend	23	0
Net income (loss) attributable to DXP Enterprises, Inc. for diluted earnings per share	$ 3,133	$ (5,135)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ (0.35)
Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share calculation (in shares)	840,000