Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 18,057	$ 15,673
Accounts receivable, net	339,378	327,664
Inventories	532,432	465,349
Other current assets	21,095	19,491
Total current assets	910,962	828,177
Property and equipment, net	40,727	39,455
Goodwill	319,440	319,440
Intangible assets, net	74,753	75,366
Other assets	4,731	5,710
Total assets	1,350,613	1,268,148
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations	16	19
Borrowings under revolving credit agreements	42,500	20,000
Accounts payable	182,462	127,359
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	82,361	75,661
Total current liabilities	307,339	223,039
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities	43,315	43,399
Commitments and contingencies
Watsco, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.50 par value
Paid-in capital	498,675	493,519
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(336)	(352)
Retained earnings	392,356	404,360
Treasury stock, at cost	(114,425)	(114,425)
Total Watsco, Inc. shareholders' equity	796,013	802,790
Noncontrolling interest	203,946	198,920
Total shareholders' equity	999,959	1,001,710
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,350,613	1,268,148
Common Stock [Member]
Watsco, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.50 par value	17,364	17,338
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Watsco, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.50 par value	$ 2,379	$ 2,350