EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA - Computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	17,564	17,394	17,547	17,402
Net income attributable to DXP Enterprises, Inc.	$ 8,397	$ 2,966	$ 24,510	$ 10,234
Convertible preferred stock dividend	23	23	68	68
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 8,374	$ 2,943	$ 24,442	$ 10,166
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.17	$ 1.39	$ 0.58
Diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	17,564	17,394	17,547	17,402
Assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock (in shares)	840	840	840	840
Total dilutive shares (in shares)	18,404	18,234	18,387	18,242
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 8,374	$ 2,943	$ 24,442	$ 10,166
Net income attributable to DXP Enterprises, Inc.	$ 8,397	$ 2,966	$ 24,510	$ 10,234
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.46	$ 0.16	$ 1.33	$ 0.56