EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Basic [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)													17,400	15,042	14,423
Net income (loss) attributable to DXP Enterprises, Inc.	$ 6,600	$ 2,900	$ 4,000	$ 3,000	$ 7,400	$ 200	$ 5,100	$ (5,100)	$ (3,000)	$ (52,400)	$ 7,200	$ 9,700	$ 16,888	$ 7,702	$ (38,536)
Convertible preferred stock dividend													(90)	(90)	(90)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders													$ 16,798	$ 7,612	$ (38,626)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.17	$ 0.24	$ 0.18	$ 0.44	$ 0.02	$ 0.36	$ (0.36)	$ (0.20)	$ (3.64)	$ 0.50	$ 0.67	$ 0.97	$ 0.51	$ (2.68)
Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)													17,400	15,042	14,423
Assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock (in shares)													840	840	0
Total dilutive shares (in shares)													18,240	15,882	14,423
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders													$ 16,798	$ 7,612	$ (38,626)
Convertible preferred stock dividend													90	90	0
Net income (loss) attributable to DXP Enterprises, Inc. for diluted earnings per share													$ 16,888	$ 7,702	$ (38,626)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.17	$ 0.42	$ 0.02	$ 0.34	$ (0.36)					$ 0.93	$ 0.49	$ (2.68)
Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share calculation (in shares)													840