Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 615,536	$ 578,157	$ 1,870,120	$ 1,738,911
Cost of sales	439,292	415,600	1,332,800	1,243,427
Gross profit	176,244	162,557	537,320	495,484
Selling and administrative expenses	117,787	109,182	347,718	323,184
Operating income	58,457	53,375	189,602	172,300
Interest expense, net	1,864	1,544	5,691	5,239
Income before income taxes and equity earnings (loss)	56,593	51,831	183,911	167,061
Provision for income taxes	21,711	19,496	71,111	64,808
Equity earnings (loss) in unconsolidated investments	76	(3)	209	52
Net income	34,958	32,332	113,009	102,305
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(122)	0	(122)	0
Net income attributable to Pool Corporation	$ 34,836	$ 32,332	$ 112,887	$ 102,305
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.70	$ 2.53	$ 2.20
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.78	$ 0.68	$ 2.47	$ 2.14
Weighted average shares outstanding: [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	43,756	46,380	44,563	46,475
Diluted (in shares)	44,864	47,598	45,730	47,720
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.22	$ 0.19	$ 0.63	$ 0.54