Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (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
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 376,442	$ 615,536	$ 848,240	$ 406,344	$ 340,789	$ 578,157	$ 790,392	$ 370,362	$ 2,246,562	$ 2,079,700	$ 1,953,974
Gross profit	106,020	176,244	246,976	114,100	95,793	162,557	228,166	104,761	643,340	591,277	567,407
Net income (loss)	(1,979)	34,958	73,863	4,188	(4,975)	32,332	66,533	3,440	111,030	97,330	81,972
Net income (loss) 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
Earnings (loss) per share:
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