Earnings Per Share (Details) (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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
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
Weighted average shares outstanding: [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	43,756	46,380	44,563	46,475
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]
Stock options and employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	1,108	1,218	1,167	1,245
Diluted (in shares)	44,864	47,598	45,730	47,720
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
Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computations (in shares)	169	0	169	0