Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ (1,979)	$ 34,958	$ 73,863	$ 4,188	$ (4,975)	$ 32,332	$ 66,533	$ 3,440	$ 111,030	$ 97,330	$ 81,972
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									338	0	0
Net income attributable to Pool Corporation	$ (2,195)	$ 34,836	$ 73,863	$ 4,188	$ (4,975)	$ 32,332	$ 66,533	$ 3,440	$ 110,692	$ 97,330	$ 81,972
Weighted average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)									44,281	46,282	46,937
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract]
Stock options and employee stock purchase plan (in shares)									1,160	1,248	1,121
Diluted (in shares)									45,441	47,530	48,058
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.80	$ 1.65	$ 0.09	$ (0.11)	$ 0.70	$ 1.43	$ 0.07	$ 2.50	$ 2.10	$ 1.75
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.78	$ 1.61	$ 0.09	$ (0.11)	$ 0.68	$ 1.39	$ 0.07	$ 2.44	$ 2.05	$ 1.71
Anti-dilutive stock options whose exercise prices were higher than the common stock's average market price during the period (in shares)									169	0	417